The governing body of world football, FIFA, has announced a series of major rule changes that will take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking one of the most significant updates to the Laws of the Game in recent years.
The new regulations, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve officiating standards and strengthen discipline on the pitch during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
One of the most notable changes is the introduction of visible countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees will conduct a five-second countdown, and teams that fail to restart play within the allotted time could lose possession or concede a corner kick.
Substitution procedures have also been tightened. Players being replaced will be required to leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest boundary line. Any deliberate delay may result in the substitute being prevented from entering the match until the next stoppage, following one minute of play.
FIFA has also revised rules concerning injured players. Outfield players who receive treatment on the pitch will generally be required to remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes. Exceptions will apply in cases involving goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries, collisions between goalkeepers and outfield players, and certain penalty-related incidents.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will receive expanded powers under the new laws. Officials will now be able to review clearly incorrect second yellow cards that lead to dismissals, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks and fouls committed before set-piece restarts.
In a move aimed at improving behaviour and transparency on the field, players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents could face red cards. The measure is intended to discourage discriminatory abuse and other forms of misconduct.
Referees will also be granted authority to send off players who leave the field in protest against decisions. Teams that abandon matches in protest risk forfeiting games, while officials who encourage such actions may face disciplinary sanctions.
Another innovation approved for the tournament is the use of referee body cameras. Tournament organisers will control how footage captured by the devices is used and distributed.
Additional changes include updated equipment regulations that allow certain items previously prohibited, provided they are safe, securely fastened and properly covered. Clarifications have also been made regarding dropped-ball situations and accidental double touches during penalty kicks.
FIFA further confirmed that senior international friendly matches may now include up to eight substitutes, with the possibility of increasing that number to 11 if both teams agree before kick-off.
Given the expected weather conditions during the expanded tournament, referees will be permitted to allow hydration breaks of up to three minutes in each half, typically around the 22nd minute.
The governing body also retained its recently introduced goalkeeper time-wasting regulation, which limits goalkeepers to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. If the limit is exceeded, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams, expanding the competition’s format and increasing the number of matches across the three host nations.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
