# VAR conspiracies, AI slop, and outrage: the World Cup in an age of distrust

The article examines how the 2022 World Cup is increasingly enveloped in conspiracy theories, including unfounded claims of VAR manipulation, AI-generated misinformation, and a cycle of perpetual outrage. This trend reflects a broader erosion of trust in institutions and highlights the growing impact of digital disinformation on major sporting events.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Sports
- [The Guardian Sport](https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/17/world-cup-conspiracy-theories-var-ai-argentina) — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 16:15:36 GMT