World Cup 2026 prohibits advertising for gambling at referees and Video Assistant Referees (VAR) locations
2026 World Cup: A Landmark Event with 48 Teams and 16 Host Cities
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to make history as the largest tournament to date, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches. The tournament will span across 16 host cities in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, marking the first time the event will be held in North America.
The tournament is scheduled to kick off in June, with the final match taking place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. FIFA is taking extensive measures to ensure officiating remains free from any potential conflicts of interest.
In a bid to maintain the integrity of football, FIFA has implemented rules that prohibit banner ads related to gambling, political, racist, or religious slogans during football reviews. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as Circular No. 1938 allows for advertising, including gambling-related advertising, inside the Video Operation Room (VOR) and on the monitor stand in the referee review area (RRA) during matches utilizing VAR.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, introduced in 2016, has become an essential tool in football officiating, supporting key decisions such as goals, penalties, red cards, and mistaken identity.
FIFA's Secretary General, Mattias Grafstroฬm, has expressed gratitude towards organizations for their cooperation in protecting match officials and maintaining the integrity of football. The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, breaking new grounds in football history.
Amidst the anticipation of the 2026 World Cup, discussions surrounding the integration of casino culture into football's sphere have emerged. Centre stages, such as MetLife Stadium, may potentially host casino-themed events or casino-games, blending the casino-and-gambling scene with the sports spectacle. Additionally, the football-loving crowd could find an unusual common ground with the casino-culture enthusiasts, as the tournament unfolds, bringing together diverse interests.
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