The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to be the largest, most extended, and costliest tournament yet. Alongside its grand scale, a series of significant rule modifications will be introduced. These will include enhanced responsibilities for video assistant referees, new red card offenses, and various measures aimed at accelerating the pace of the game. Below are the detailed changes that will be implemented across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with the rationale behind them.
Expanded VAR Responsibilities
Despite a growing discontent among fans regarding video officiating, FIFA is doubling down on its commitment to VAR by broadening its scope. In a notable shift, video officials will now be tasked with reviewing every incident that results in a corner kick. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has stipulated that VAR should only step in if they can do so promptly, although no strict time frame has been established. Additionally, the system will now assess situations that lead to second yellow cards, which result in player send-offs, expanding its previous focus solely on straight red cards. Some IFAB members express skepticism about this extension, particularly regarding corner reviews, which have become optional, while the Premier League seems poised to dismiss the idea. Nevertheless, FIFA remains concerned about the ramifications of incorrect calls in crucial matches. The original intent of VAR was to rectify significant oversights by match officials.
VAR Checks for Set Piece Fouls
In a surprising announcement made just days before the World Cup kicks off, IFAB revealed another update to the VAR protocol. This change, described as a “clarification,” extends the period during which VAR can evaluate goals, penalties, or send-offs that occur following set pieces. Video referees are now encouraged to investigate any foul committed before a set piece is taken—provided the play was halted—if it is deemed to have had a “direct impact” on the outcome. This amendment is largely seen as a strategy to address grappling in the penalty area before corners and free-kicks. A recent friendly match between England and Uruguay exemplified the type of infractions that officials are looking to mitigate.
New Red Card Offenses Introduced
This year has witnessed two high-profile incidents that have prompted the introduction of new red card offenses. The first incident involved Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, and several players who walked off the field during the Africa Cup of Nations final in protest against a penalty call. As a result, any player or official who “leaves the field of play in protest against a referee’s decision” will now face a red card. Similarly, players who cover their mouths in confrontational situations will also be subject to this new sanction. This change gained traction following Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni’s incident where he covered his mouth before confronting Vinícius Júnior during a Champions League match. Real Madrid alleged that the comments made were racially charged, while the player later acknowledged and received a ban for homophobic remarks. In a rare move, FIFA President Gianni Infantino advocated for such actions to incur a sending-off, a rule that will be applicable at the World Cup.
Combating Tactical Timeouts
A growing concern among officials is the misuse of tactical timeouts, where players feign injuries to buy time for coaches to issue instructions. These tactics are seen as an exploitation of existing rules and disrupt the flow of the game, prompting lawmakers to take action. At the World Cup, referees will be instructed to strictly enforce these regulations. Outfield players will still be required to exit the pitch for treatment but must remain off for 60 seconds before returning once they have received care. Goalkeepers, often the main offenders, will still receive treatment on the field; however, referees are expected to implement guidelines from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which mandates that while treatment is ongoing, other players must retreat to the center circle and refrain from approaching the coaching area.
The successful implementation of referee countdowns to expedite goal-kicks will now be extended to throw-ins at the World Cup. In both instances, referees will signal a five-second countdown to players who delay returning to play. If the countdown reaches zero, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team, or in the case of goal-kicks, a corner will be given to the opponents instead.
Finally, a new rule dictates that any player substituted must exit the pitch within 10 seconds of their number being displayed. Should they exceed this time limit, the incoming substitute will be held off the field for an additional minute.
