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What to know about new rules and technology behind the World Cup's most contentious calls
By JAMES ROBSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports
· July 12, 2026
· 1 min read
ATLANTA (AP) — It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may...
Key takeaway The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may have left fans [...
Why this matters in The McAllen
For Valley residents gathering to watch World Cup matches, the controversy over refereeing decisions is more than just a distant debate. As fans in McAllen and across the Rio Grande Valley cheer on their favorite teams, they're also witnessing the impact of technology on the sport. The use of video assistant referees, or VARs, has brought a new level of scrutiny to the game, with decisions made in a room far from the field influencing the outcome of matches. This has significant implications for local soccer enthusiasts, who may be watching the World Cup at community events or with friends and family. As the tournament continues, Valley residents will be paying close attention to how these technologies shape the game, and how they might be adopted in local soccer leagues and matches. The World Cup's use of VARs may also spark discussions about the role of technology in sports, and how it can be used to improve the fan experience in the McAllen area.
About this story
Original reporting by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . The McAllen surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 12, 2026 ·
Source: ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? ATLANTA (AP) — It was another game-changing moment at the World Cup that had more to do with television replays in a room far away than a moment of brilliance on the field. The sending off of Switzerland's Breel Embolo in Saturday's quarterfinal game against Argentina was the latest call that may...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 12, 2026 by ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports and curated for The McAllen readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by JAMES ROBSON, Associated Press at ValleyCentral (KVEO/CBS4) - Sports. To learn more about how The McAllen selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The McAllen, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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