Law changes that will come into effect at the 2026 World Cup

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved significant rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, set to be the first major tournament to implement them. FIFA’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, stated these amendments aim to reduce discrimination, cut time-wasting, improve match tempo, and enhance player and fan experiences. Players covering their mouths in confrontational situations will now face a red card, following the case of Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni, who was suspended for six games after allegedly making discriminatory slurs to Vinicius Jr. However, friendly mouth-covering during team interactions will remain exempt. Leaving the field to protest referee decisions will also result in a red card, extending to team officials who incite such actions. Teams causing match abandonment will forfeit the game, a rule introduced after Senegal’s protest during the Africa Cup of Nations final. Referees will enforce a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks, awarding the opposing team if the ball isn’t in play by the deadline. A corner kick will replace a delayed goal-kick. Substitutions must occur within 10 seconds of the substitution board’s display, with delays leading to entry restrictions after one minute. Medical staff entering the field will require an outfield player to leave for one minute post-restart, except in cases of severe injury or penalty-taking. VAR protocols have expanded to correct mistaken identity offenses, incorrect corner kicks, and fouls committed before play restarts. A three-minute hydration break will be introduced around the 22nd minute of each half, with flexible timing for injuries. These changes mark the first major tournament to adopt these revised laws, aiming for fairer and faster gameplay.