FIFA Approves Major Rule Changes Ahead of 2026 World Cup

FIFA and football’s law making body, International Football Association Board, have approved a major package of rule changes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, will become the first major international competition to implement the revised laws.

According to details released on FIFA’s official platforms on Tuesday, the changes are designed to improve the speed of play, reduce time wasting, strengthen officiating decisions and enhance discipline on the pitch.

Throw In and Goal Kick Countdown

One of the biggest changes targets time wasting during matches.

Referees will now use a visible five second countdown for throw ins and goal kicks.

Players who fail to take a throw in within the allotted time will surrender possession to the opposing team, while delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick being awarded to opponents.

New 10 Second Substitution Rule

Under the revised laws, substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest boundary line.

If a player deliberately delays the process, the replacement player may be prevented from entering until the next stoppage after one minute of play.

Injured Players Must Remain Off the Field

Outfield players receiving treatment after stoppages must now stay off the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes.

However, exceptions will apply in cases involving goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries, goalkeeper collisions and specific penalty situations.

Expanded VAR Powers

The Video Assistant Referee system has also received expanded powers.

VAR officials can now intervene in additional situations including:

• Clearly incorrect second yellow cards that result in red cards
• Cases of mistaken identity
• Wrongly awarded corner kicks
• Fouls committed before set piece restarts

The change is expected to reduce controversial officiating decisions during matches.

Red Cards for Mouth Covering During Confrontations

Players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms or shirts while confronting opponents may now face red cards.

Football authorities said the measure is aimed at discouraging discriminatory abuse and improving transparency during disputes on the field.

Walk Off Protests Could Lead to Dismissal

Players who leave the field in protest against referee decisions may also be sent off under the new rules.

Teams that abandon matches in protest risk forfeiting games, while team officials encouraging such actions could face sanctions.

Referees May Wear Body Cameras

Competition organisers will now have the option of allowing referees to wear chest mounted or head mounted cameras during matches.

The organisers will control how the footage is used and distributed.

New Equipment Regulations

Players may now wear certain items that were previously prohibited provided they are non dangerous, properly covered and securely fastened.

Dropped Ball Rule Clarified

Under the updated dropped ball rule, possession should be returned to the team most likely to have retained the ball if play had not been stopped.

Penalty Double Touch Clarification

The revised laws also formally include guidance on accidental double touches by penalty takers following earlier clarifications issued by IFAB.

DOGSO Advantage Rule Updated

If a player commits an offence denying an obvious goal scoring opportunity but the referee allows advantage and a goal is eventually scored, the offending player will no longer receive a caution.

More Substitutions in International Friendlies

Senior international friendly matches may now allow up to eight substitutions, while teams can agree to increase the number to 11.

Hydration Breaks at the World Cup

Referees at the 2026 FIFA World Cup may allow a three minute hydration break in each half, usually around the 22nd minute, depending on weather conditions.

Goalkeepers Limited to Eight Seconds

Goalkeepers will now be restricted to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds.

Referees will visibly count down the final five seconds and any violation will result in a corner kick for the opposing side.

The rule had already been introduced before the World Cup but will now feature prominently at the global tournament