The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to make history as the most extensive, lengthy, and costly tournament yet. Alongside this monumental event, a series of significant rule modifications are on the way. These include expanded roles for video assistant referees (VAR), the introduction of new red card infractions, and various initiatives aimed at speeding up the game. Here’s a detailed look at the changes being implemented for the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, along with the reasons behind them.
VAR’s Enhanced Role for Corners and Second Yellow Cards
While many fans remain skeptical of video refereeing, FIFA is embracing it more than ever by broadening the VAR protocol. Video officials will now be responsible for reviewing every decision that leads to a corner kick. As stated by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), VAR should only intervene if it can do so quickly, though a specific time frame has not been established. Additionally, VAR will now also evaluate incidents that result in a second yellow card, which leads to a player’s dismissal, expanding its scope beyond just straight red cards. Some members of IFAB express concern about this extension, with the Premier League reportedly inclined to reject the corner review. However, FIFA is wary about the potential impact of incorrect decisions on critical matches. The initial intent of VAR was to rectify serious oversights by match officials.
VAR to Review Fouls Before Set Pieces
In a surprising announcement made just weeks ahead of the World Cup, IFAB revealed yet another modification to the VAR protocol. This change, referred to as a “clarification,” will allow video referees to review any fouls that occur prior to a set piece being taken if the incident is considered to have a “direct impact” on the outcome. This adjustment is widely interpreted as a move to address grappling in the penalty area before corners and free kicks. A recent friendly match between England and Uruguay highlighted the need for vigilance regarding such fouls, as a missed infraction was noted during the build-up.
New Red Card Offences: Mouth Covering and Leaving the Field
Two highly publicized events earlier this year have prompted the creation of new red card infractions. The first incident involved Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, and several players who walked off the pitch in protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final after a penalty decision against them. Now, any player or official who departs the field in protest of a referee’s ruling will face a red card. Additionally, players covering their mouths in confrontational situations are also subject to this penalty. This rule change gained traction following an incident where Benfica midfielder Gianluca Prestianni obscured his mouth before confronting Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match. Real Madrid alleged that the abuse was racially motivated, while Prestianni admitted to making homophobic comments and was subsequently banned. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly advocated for these actions to warrant ejections, and this optional rule will be enforced during the World Cup.
Combating ‘Tactical Timeouts’
One rising concern in football is the frequent occurrence of tactical timeouts, where players feign injury to allow coaches to communicate tactics. This is seen as exploiting a loophole and disrupting the flow of the game. To address this, match officials will take a firmer stance during the World Cup. Players requiring treatment will be expected to leave the field, but must remain off for a full 60 seconds before re-entering the game. Goalkeepers, often the main offenders in these scenarios, will still receive treatment on the pitch, but referees will implement a rule from the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) that mandates all players retreat to the center circle while treatment occurs, preventing them from approaching the coach’s technical area.
The successful introduction of referee countdowns for goal kicks will also expand to include throw-ins. Referees will be able to signal a five-second countdown with their hands for players who delay. If the countdown reaches zero, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team, or a corner kick will be given to the opponents in the case of goal kicks.
Lastly, a new regulation mandates that players being substituted must exit the field within 10 seconds of their number being displayed. Should they exceed this time limit, the incoming substitute will be required to remain off the field for an additional minute.
