From expanded VAR powers to stricter time-wasting sanctions, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will debut a series of major rule changes aimed at improving fairness, transparency and match flow.
Football’s law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has approved a sweeping set of amendments to the Laws of the Game ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the first major international competition to operate under the revised regulations.
According to information published on FIFA’s official website, the changes are designed to address time-wasting, improve officiating accuracy, enhance player conduct and provide greater clarity in key areas of the game.
Here are the new rules set to be implemented at the 2026 World Cup:
1. Throw-In and Goal-Kick Countdown
To reduce deliberate delays during matches, referees will enforce stricter timing requirements for throw-ins and goal kicks.
Under the new rule:
- Referees will begin a visible five-second countdown.
- A team that fails to take a throw-in within the allotted time will lose possession.
- Delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.
2. 10-Second Substitution Rule
Substituted players will be required to leave the field more quickly.
The new provisions state that:
- Players being replaced must exit the pitch within 10 seconds.
- They must use the nearest boundary line.
- If a player deliberately delays leaving, the incoming substitute cannot enter until the next stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed.
3. Injured Players Must Remain Off the Pitch for One Minute
When play is stopped for medical treatment, injured outfield players must leave the field and remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes.
Exceptions apply in specific circumstances, including:
- Goalkeeper injuries
- Serious injuries
- Head injuries and concussion cases
- Goalkeeper-player collisions
- Certain penalty situations
4. Expanded VAR Authority
Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will now be permitted to intervene in a broader range of situations.
The expanded powers include:
Incorrect Second Yellow Cards
VAR may review cases where a clearly incorrect second yellow card leads to a red card dismissal.
Mistaken Identity
Officials can intervene if a yellow or red card is shown to the wrong player.
Incorrect Corner-Kick Decisions
VAR may correct a clearly erroneous corner-kick award if the review occurs immediately.
Fouls Before Restarts
Officials may also intervene when a foul occurs before a set-piece restart.
5. Red Cards for Mouth-Covering Confrontations
Players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm or shirt while confronting opponents may now receive a red card.
The measure has been introduced to discourage discriminatory abuse and promote greater transparency during on-field interactions.
6. Red Cards for Walk-Off Protests
Players who leave the field in protest of a referee’s decision risk dismissal.
The rule also provides that:
- Teams abandoning matches in protest may forfeit the game.
- Team officials who encourage such actions may face sanctions.
7. Referee Body Cameras
Competition organisers may now permit referees to wear body cameras during matches.
The devices may be:
- Chest-mounted
- Head-mounted
Control over the footage and its use will remain with competition organisers.
8. Revised Equipment Regulations
Players will be allowed to wear certain items that were previously prohibited, provided they meet specific safety requirements.
Such equipment must be:
- Non-dangerous
- Properly covered
- Securely fastened
9. Dropped-Ball Clarification
IFAB has clarified procedures for dropped-ball restarts.
Under the revised law, possession should be awarded to the team most likely to have retained the ball had play not been stopped.
10. Penalty Double-Touch Clarification
The updated Laws of the Game now formally incorporate guidance regarding accidental double touches by penalty takers.
The clarification follows previous interpretations issued by IFAB and provides greater consistency in decision-making.
11. DOGSO Advantage Adjustment
A change has also been made to offences involving the denial of an obvious goalscoring opportunity (DOGSO).
Under the revised rule:
- If a referee plays advantage following a DOGSO offence and a goal is subsequently scored, the offending player will not be cautioned because the goalscoring opportunity was ultimately restored.
12. More Substitutions in International Friendlies
Senior international friendly matches will now permit additional substitutions.
The revised framework allows:
- Up to eight substitutes by default.
- Up to eleven substitutes if both teams agree before the match.
13. Hydration Breaks at the World Cup
To address player welfare concerns, hydration breaks may be introduced during World Cup matches.
The provision allows:
- One three-minute hydration break in each half.
- Breaks to typically occur around the 22nd minute.
- Referees to exercise discretion depending on weather and playing conditions.
14. Existing Goalkeeper Time-Wasting Rule
FIFA also reiterated the goalkeeper time-management rule already introduced before the World Cup.
Under the regulation:
- Goalkeepers may hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds.
- Referees will visibly count down the final five seconds.
- Exceeding the limit will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.
Major Overhaul Ahead of 2026
The package of reforms represents one of the most significant updates to football’s laws in recent years. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to be the first major tournament played under the revised framework, players, coaches, referees and fans will be closely watching how the changes affect match management, officiating decisions and the overall flow of the game on football’s biggest stage.
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