Soccer’s rule-makers approve sweeping changes for 2026 World Cup

The International Football Association Board has approved a landmark set of rule changes that will debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup when the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The changes, announced on May 31, represent one of the most extensive overhauls of football's laws in recent memory.

"The IFAB approved a set of landmark changes to the Laws of the Game and the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the first major tournament to use them," FIFA's Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina told reporters. "These amendments aim to tackle discrimination, cut time-wasting, enhance match tempo and improve both the player and fan experience."reuters+1

Cracking Down on Concealment and Dissent

Among the most striking new rules, players who cover their mouths with their hand, arm, or shirt during confrontational situations will now receive a red card. The rule was prompted by an incident in which Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni was accused of making discriminatory slurs to Vinicius Jr with his mouth covered, leading to a six-game suspension extended worldwide by UEFA.skysports+1

Players who cover their mouths during friendly conversations with opponents — such as former club teammates — will not be penalized. Players who walk off the pitch to protest a referee's decision will also receive a red card, with the rule extending to any team official who incites players to leave. Teams that cause a match to be abandoned will forfeit the game.straitstimes+2

Time-Wasting Measures and VAR Expansion

Referees will now use a visible five-second countdown with a raised hand for throw-ins and goal kicks. If the ball is not put into play before the countdown expires, possession switches to the opposing team on throw-ins; for goal kicks, a corner is awarded to the opposition.skysports+2

Substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds at the nearest boundary point or their replacement will be delayed by one minute. Outfield players treated by medical staff on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play restarts.straitstimes+2

VAR's scope has been expanded to cover red cards issued from clearly incorrect second yellow cards, mistaken identity incidents, and incorrectly awarded corner kicks. Officials can also now intervene when a foul occurs before play restarts at a set-piece.reuters+3

Hydration Breaks

Every match will feature a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half, typically around the 22nd minute, with referees given flexibility on timing. During goalkeeper treatment, players from both teams will be barred from leaving the pitch to consult coaches.straitstimes+2

The changes will also apply to domestic competitions from the 2026-27 season onward.reuters