IFAB announces new rule changes for 2026 World Cup including VAR powers and timewasting measures
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of major rule changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The changes include expanded VAR powers, 10-second substitutions, and new measures to combat tactical timeouts and timewasting. The tournament will be hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Among the new rules are five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks, red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations, and punishments for teams walking off in protest. VAR can now intervene for wrongly-awarded second yellow cards, mistaken identity incidents, and incorrectly-awarded corner kicks. FIFAs chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said referees will be proactive in preventing teams from using injuries to hold team talks, though no sanctions were agreed on for this season. Players being substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds, and outfield players receiving treatment must remain off the field for at least one minute.
What’s reported
IFAB approved the rule changes for the 2026 World Cup.
Expanded VAR powers include intervention for wrongly-awarded second yellow cards, mistaken identity, and incorrectly-awarded corner kicks.
A five-second visible countdown will be used for throw-ins and goal-kicks; failure to take a throw-in awards possession to the opposition, and a delayed goal-kick awards a corner.
Substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds via the nearest boundary; failure delays the replacement by one minute.
Outfield players treated on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play restarts, with exceptions for goalkeepers, collisions, head injuries, and penalty takers.
Red cards will be shown for players covering their mouths during confrontational situations, and for players walking off the pitch in protest.
A mandatory three-minute hydration break will occur in each half of every World Cup match.
No sanction was agreed to address tactical timeouts; referees will be proactive in preventing teams from gathering at the bench during injuries.
Key figures
International Football Association Board (IFAB) – football’s lawmakers
Pierluigi Collina – FIFA’s chief refereeing officer
Sources: Sky Sports
