Kylian Mbappe, Sadio Mane, Alireza Faghani, France, Senegal
16 June 2026
France’s win over Senegal included a major VAR controversy after referee Alireza Faghani rejected a penalty despite reviewing Sadio Mane’s challenge on Kylian Mbappe. Several pundits and former officials called the explanation confusing and difficult to support.
Faghani appeared to signal a penalty before awarding a goal-kick and saying Mbappe initiated contact. France still won 3-1, but the decision drew immediate criticism and added another refereeing debate to the World Cup.