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 significant changes to the rules. This will be the first major tournament to implement these new rules.

FIFA shared the details on its website on Tuesday. These new rules will be in effect during the upcoming global tournament set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Key Changes

1. Throw-in and Goal-Kick Countdown

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

1. 10-Second Substitution Rule

When a player is substituted: * The player leaving must go off within 10 seconds. * They must exit from the nearest boundary line. * If they take too long, the new player cannot come on until the next stoppage, which is after one minute of play.

1. Injured Players Must Stay Off for One Minute

If the game stops for treatment: * The injured outfield player has to leave the field. * They cannot come back until one minute after play resumes. Exceptions include: * Goalkeeper injuries * Serious injuries * Head injuries or concussions * Goalkeeper-player collisions * Certain penalty situations.

1. Expanded VAR Powers

VAR can now step in for more situations: * It can review a clearly wrong second yellow card that leads to a red card. * If the wrong player gets a yellow or red card, VAR can check it. * VAR can correct a clearly wrong corner kick decision if the review happens right away. * VAR may also step in if a foul happened before a set-piece restart.

1. Red Cards for Mouth-Covering Confrontations

If a player covers their mouth while confronting another player, they may get a red card. This rule aims to stop discriminatory behavior and improve clarity.

1. Red Cards for Walk-Off Protests

Players who leave the field to protest a referee’s call can be shown a red card. Teams that walk off in protest may lose the match. Team officials who support such actions can also face penalties.

Additional Changes

1. Referee Body Cameras

Competitions may allow referees to use chest-mounted or head-mounted cameras. The competition organizers will manage the footage and its use.

1. New Equipment Rules

Players can wear items that were previously banned if they are: * Not dangerous * Properly covered * Securely fastened.

1. Dropped-Ball Clarification

When play stops and restarts with a dropped ball: * Possession should go to the team that would likely have had the ball if the game hadn’t stopped.

1. Penalty “Double Touch” Clarification

The rules now clarify accidental double touches by the penalty taker, following earlier updates.

1. DOGSO Advantage Change

If a player denies an obvious goal-scoring chance (DOGSO), but the referee plays advantage and a goal is scored: * The offending player will not get a caution because a goal was scored.

1. More Substitutes in International Friendlies

In senior international friendlies: * Up to 8 substitutes can be used. * Teams can agree to increase this to 11.

1. Hydration Breaks

During the World Cup: * A three-minute hydration break may happen in each half. * Usually around the 22nd minute. * Referees have some flexibility based on match conditions.

1. Existing Goalkeeper Time-Wasting Rule

Already in place before the World Cup: * Goalkeepers can hold the ball for a maximum of 8 seconds. * Referees will visibly count down the last 5 seconds. * If they exceed the limit, the opponents get a corner kick.