Austria striker Marko Arnautovic thought he had fired his side back in front during their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J clash against Jordan, but a lengthy VAR review ensured the goal did not stand.

The incident occurred in the 66th minute at the San Francisco Bay Area Stadium when Arnautovic bundled the ball home from close range after a scramble inside the penalty area. Austria’s players immediately celebrated what appeared to be a crucial second goal after Jordan had equalised early in the second half.

However, the celebrations were short-lived.

Why Was The Goal Ruled Out?

Before the ball reached Arnautovic, replays showed that Austria right-back Stefan Posch had handled the ball inside the box.

The ball appeared to strike Posch’s extended right arm during the buildup, prompting a VAR review. Video Assistant Referee officials examined the incident but were unable to make a definitive decision themselves and subsequently advised referee Dahane Beida to review the footage on the pitchside monitor.

After watching multiple replays, Beida returned to the field and disallowed the goal, ruling that Posch had committed a handball offence before Arnautovic scored.

Under FIFA’s handball laws, a goal cannot be awarded if an attacking player gains possession or creates a scoring opportunity through a handball in the immediate buildup.

Austria Eventually Found A Way Through

The disallowed goal did not prove costly for Austria.

Just minutes later, Jordan defender Yazan Al-Arab accidentally turned the ball into his own net while attempting to clear a corner, restoring Austria’s advantage.

Arnautovic eventually got on the scoresheet in stoppage time, converting a penalty after Salim Obaid was penalised for handball inside the area.

Austria went on to secure a 3-1 victory and make a winning start to their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign.