Football Video Support (FVS) is changing how refereeing decisions are reviewed at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2026, giving coaches a direct role in challenging potential errors.

The system, being used during the tournament from mid-October to early November, allows each team two challenges per match. Those challenges can be made over clear and obvious errors involving goals, penalty decisions, direct red cards or mistaken identity.

To request a review, a coach spins a finger and hands a “Team Video Support” card to the fourth official. The referee then watches broadcast footage on a monitor beside the pitch. Unlike full Video Assistant Referee (VAR), FVS does not use a dedicated video official monitoring the match continuously. Instead, a replay operator provides support to the referee on the field.

FIFA has introduced FVS for competitions with fewer resources and limited camera coverage. The organisation says it is not a “cheaper VAR”, but a focused tool designed to provide assistance where a full VAR operation is not available.

Pierluigi Collina, chair of FIFA’s refereeing committee, has said the system gives coaches greater influence while helping referees without requiring the infrastructure used at elite men’s and senior women’s tournaments.

Previous trials at youth events and in domestic competitions, including Spain’s Liga F, received positive responses. Coaches keep successful challenges, while data from those trials showed that relatively few decisions were overturned.

FVS has already been used in several matches in Morocco. During the USA’s 3-2 group-stage defeat by China PR, Amari Manning appeared to score early for the USA, but the goal was correctly ruled out for offside following a Video Support review. Coaches from Poland also used challenge cards in their group and knockout matches, attracting attention as the system reached the youth World Cup stage.

The technology was central to the Round of 16 match between Nigeria and Mexico on 29 October 2026 at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale. Nigeria won 2-1, with goals from Oluebube Umejiaku in the 40th minute and Mary Dunstan around the 71st-72nd minute. Emily Delgado scored a late consolation for Mexico.

At least one important incident involving a Nigerian goal was reviewed, according to reports from the match. The referee’s original decision was upheld after the pitchside examination, illustrating how FVS can resolve significant moments without the delays associated with a full VAR system.

Supporters argue that FVS improves access to video technology in youth and women’s competitions, gives coaches agency similar to challenges in tennis and cricket, and can reduce frustration over major decisions. Coaches involved in trials have also said it gives referees an opportunity to reconsider critical calls while preserving the flow of matches.

However, critics say the system is incomplete. Errors may go unchecked if a team has used both challenges or decides not to contest a decision, while limited camera angles can leave footage inconclusive. Concerns also include interruptions, pressure on young coaches, tactical use of challenges and possible differences between competitions.

With the knockout stages continuing, FVS remains a defining feature of this edition of the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. Its future use in other FIFA and domestic competitions will depend on further assessment of fairness, match flow and support for referees.