Inside the Whistle Crew: Meet the VAR Team for Brazil vs Morocco at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

When Brazil takes on Morocco in what promises to be a fireworks‑filled Group C encounter at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the focus naturally lands on the players, the tactics and the sheer drama of a World Cup night. Yet, tucked away in the stadium’s control room, a different kind of drama unfolds – the work of the video‑assistant referee (VAR) team, the silent arbiters of fairness.

The match‑officials for this fixture were announced by FIFA in early June. Leading the charge on the touchline is Argentine referee Gonzalo Montiel, a veteran who has already officiated at the 2022 World Cup and several Copa América finals. Montiel’s calm demeanor and sharp positioning have earned him a reputation for letting the game flow while still keeping a tight grip on the rule‑book.

Flanking him are his two assistants, Juan López from Spain and Kwame Owusu from Ghana. López, a former player turned official, is known for his quick flag‑raising on off‑side calls, while Owusu brings a flair for managing set‑piece chaos, a skill that will be tested when Brazil’s flair meets Morocco’s disciplined defending.

But the real stars of the tech‑driven era are the VAR crew. Sitting in the video operations room at the stadium, the VAR for the game is Kim Sung‑Hyun of South Korea. Kim has been part of the VAR panel since the 2018 World Cup and has overseen over 200 high‑profile matches across Asia and Europe. His knack for swift, decisive reviews has often prevented prolonged stoppages, a talent that fans and coaches alike appreciate.

Assisting Kim is the assistant VAR (AVAR), Laura Martínez from Spain. Martínez, one of the few women in the upper echelons of VAR officiating, broke onto the scene during the Women’s Euro 2022 and quickly proved her mettle. She will be the extra pair of eyes, double‑checking any potential goal‑line incidents or contentious penalties.

Rounding out the technological team is the fourth official, Mohammed Al‑Saadi from Qatar, who will handle the administrative duties, manage substitutions and step in should any of the on‑field officials be unable to continue.

The collaboration between these officials is a dance of precision. For example, if a possible handball occurs in the box, Montiel will pause, signal for a review, and Kim will cue up the footage from the multiple camera angles. Within a few seconds, the VAR team will communicate their recommendation via the headset, and the referee makes the final call. It’s a process that has become almost second nature, yet each decision still carries the weight of a nation’s hopes.

Fans often wonder how the VAR crew prepares for such a high‑stakes match. In the days leading up to the game, Kim and Martínez spent hours reviewing footage of both Brazil and Morocco, familiarising themselves with each team’s playing style, set‑piece routines and typical areas where controversy might arise – think quick‑corner flick‑ons or late‑run‑in crosses.

Ultimately, while the players will dazzle with skill and flair, it’s the invisible partnership between Montiel, his assistants, and the VAR squad that will ensure the match stays as fair as it is fierce. Whether a goal is confirmed or a foul is rescinded, the world will watch not just the 90 minutes on the field, but also the split‑second judgments happening behind the screens.