New FIFA Rules for the 2026 World Cup

As we look forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026, football's rule-making body, the International Football Association Board, has approved major rule changes. This is the biggest update in several years.

The 2026 tournament will be the first big event to use these rules. According to a post from FIFA's website on Tuesday, here are the new rules for the upcoming global tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Throw-in and Goal-Kick Countdown

To reduce time-wasting:

* Referees will start a visible 5-second countdown.
* If a throw-in is not taken in time, the other team gets possession.
* If a goal kick is delayed, the opposing team gets a corner kick.

10-Second Substitution Rule

When a player is substituted:

* The player coming off must leave within 10 seconds.
* They must exit from the nearest boundary line.
* If they delay, the new player cannot enter until the next stoppage after one minute of play.

Injured Players Must Stay Off for One Minute

If play stops for treatment:

* The injured outfield player must leave the pitch.
* They can't return until one minute after play resumes.
Exceptions are:
* Goalkeeper injuries
* Serious injuries
* Head injuries/concussions
* Collisions between goalkeepers and outfield players
* Certain penalty situations.

Expanded VAR Powers

VAR can now step in during more situations:

* Incorrect Second Yellow Card: VAR can review a wrong second yellow that leads to a red card.
* Mistaken Identity: If the wrong player gets a yellow or red card.
* Wrongly Awarded Corner Kick: VAR can fix a clearly wrong corner-kick call if reviewed immediately.
* Fouls Before Set-Piece Restarts: VAR can intervene if a foul happened before the ball was put back into play.

Red Cards for Mouth-Covering Confrontations

A player who covers their mouth with a hand, arm, or shirt while arguing with an opponent can get a red card. This rule aims to stop discriminatory behavior and improve fairness.

Red Cards for Walk-Off Protests

Players who leave the field to protest a referee's decision can be sent off. Teams that abandon matches in protest may lose the game. Team officials who encourage such actions can also face penalties.

Referee Body Cameras

Competitions may allow referees to wear cameras mounted on their chest or head. The organizers will control the footage and how it is used.

New Equipment Rules

Players can now wear items that were previously banned if they are: * Non-dangerous * Properly covered * Securely fastened.

Dropped-Ball Clarification

When play stops and restarts with a dropped ball: * Possession goes to the team that would likely have had the ball if play had not stopped.

Penalty “Double Touch” Clarification

The rules now include guidance on accidental double touches by the player taking a penalty kick, following earlier clarification from IFAB.

DOGSO Advantage Change

If a player commits an offense denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO), but the referee plays advantage and a goal is scored: * The player committing the offense will not be cautioned because a goal was scored.

More Substitutes in International Friendlies

For senior international friendlies: * Up to 8 substitutes are allowed. * Teams can agree to allow 11 substitutes.

Hydration Breaks

At the World Cup: * A three-minute hydration break can happen in each half. * This usually occurs around the 22nd minute. * Referees have flexibility based on match conditions.

Existing Goalkeeper Time-Wasting Rule

This rule was introduced before the World Cup: * Goalkeepers may hold the ball for a maximum of 8 seconds. * Referees will visibly count down the last 5 seconds. * Exceeding the limit results in a corner kick for the opponents.