The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of significant rule changes that will take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including expanded Video Assistant Referee (VAR) powers, stricter disciplinary measures for player misconduct, and new regulations aimed at reducing time-wasting.
The reforms, announced ahead of the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, are designed to improve match flow, enhance officiating accuracy, and strengthen respect for referees.
Expanded VAR Intervention
One of the most notable changes is the expansion of VAR’s authority. Officials will now be able to intervene in cases involving wrongly awarded second yellow cards, mistaken identity incidents, and incorrectly awarded corner kicks.
VAR will also be permitted to review offences that occur before the ball is in play during set-pieces, such as attackers illegally blocking defenders before corners are taken.
When an offence is identified before play restarts, referees will be required to conduct an on-field review before determining disciplinary action and whether the set-piece should be retaken.
Tougher Penalties for Player Protests
IFAB has introduced stricter conduct rules aimed at curbing dissent and unsporting behaviour.
Players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts during confrontational situations will now face a straight red card.
The rule is intended to discourage secretive or inflammatory exchanges during disputes.
Additionally, players who walk off the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision will be sent off, while teams responsible for causing a match abandonment will automatically forfeit the game.
The same sanctions will apply to coaches and team officials who encourage players to leave the field.
New Measures Against Time-Wasting
To combat deliberate delays, referees will now use a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks.
Failure to take a throw-in within the allotted time will result in possession being awarded to the opposition. Teams that delay goal-kicks beyond the countdown will concede a corner kick.
Substituted players must also leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed and exit via the nearest boundary line.
Players who fail to comply will delay the entry of their replacement, who will only be allowed onto the pitch at the first stoppage occurring at least one minute after play resumes.
FIFA Targets Tactical Injury Breaks
FIFA has also moved to address the growing trend of teams using injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts.
Speaking on the issue, FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, said referees will take a more proactive approach to preventing teams from gathering around coaches during treatment breaks.
While no formal sanctions have yet been introduced, officials have been instructed to stop players from using injury stoppages, particularly those involving goalkeepers, as opportunities for tactical discussions.
Mandatory Treatment and Hydration Breaks
Under the new regulations, outfield players who receive medical treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play restarts.
Exceptions will apply for goalkeepers, head injuries, concussions, serious collisions, and players designated to take penalties.
Meanwhile, every World Cup match will feature a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half, with referees given discretion over the exact timing depending on game circumstances and weather conditions.
The rule changes represent one of the most comprehensive updates to football’s laws in recent years and are expected to have a major impact on how matches are officiated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
