The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced nine major rule changes that will be implemented during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The amendments aim to tackle discrimination, cut time-wasting, enhance match tempo, and improve both player and fan experience.
1. Red Cards for Covering Mouths During Confrontations
A player who conceals their mouth with their hand, arm, or shirt during confrontational moments will now receive a red card. This rule is designed to prevent players from hiding their lips during racially abusive exchanges, making it easier for referees to identify and punish discriminatory behavior. However, players who cover their mouths during casual, friendly exchanges with teammates from opposing teams will not face penalties.
2. Red Card for Protesting by Leaving the Field
Any player who exits the field to protest a referee’s call will receive a red card. This rule also extends to team officials who provoke players to leave the field in protest. Teams that cause a match to be abandoned will automatically forfeit the game.
3. Five-Second Countdown for Throw-Ins and Goal Kicks
Referees will initiate a visual five-second countdown using a raised hand. If the ball remains out of play after the countdown for a throw-in, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. If a goal kick is not executed by the end of the countdown, a corner kick will be granted to the opponents.
4. Stricter Substitution Procedure
Players must exit the field within 10 seconds after the substitution board is displayed, leaving from the nearest boundary point. If the player does not vacate the field within the 10-second window, the substitute can only enter at the first stoppage that occurs after one minute has passed since the restart, pending the referee’s signal. Exceptions will be made for injury or safety concerns.
5. Off-Field Medical Treatment
An outfield player must leave the pitch for one minute following the restart if medical staff enter the pitch to treat them. Exceptions include goalkeeper injuries, collisions between a goalkeeper and an outfield player, teammate collisions requiring attention, serious injuries like concussions, or if the injured player is about to take a penalty.
6. Expanded VAR Protocol
The video assistant referee (VAR) protocol will be expanded to allow reviews in the following situations:
- A red card issued following a clearly incorrect second yellow card
- Mistaken identity, where a player receives a yellow or red card for an infraction committed by another player
- Incorrectly awarded corner kicks, if the correction can be made immediately without delaying the match
- A foul occurring before play resumes, such as when an attacker fouls a defender before a set-piece
IFAB stated that “VAR will suggest an on-field review, after which if the referee concludes that a foul occurred before the ball was in play, appropriate disciplinary measures will be enforced and the corner or free kick will be taken again.”
7. Mandatory Hydration Breaks
Each match will include a three-minute hydration break during both halves, typically around the 22nd minute. Referees have some discretion regarding timing; for instance, if a player is injured and needs attention in the 20th minute, the referee may call for a hydration break instead. When a goalkeeper is being treated on the pitch, players from both teams will not be permitted to leave the field for a timeout with their coaches. IFAB has banned what have come to be known as tactical timeouts.
8. Magenta Cards for Tactical Fouls
A new “magenta card” system will be introduced for tactical fouls and stoppages, allowing referees to issue sanctions that aren’t a traditional yellow or red card but still carry consequences for deliberate time-wasting or simulation.
9. Referee Body Cameras
Referees can now use body cameras, but only if provided by the competition, and the footage must be controlled by the competition organizers. This technology will enhance transparency and assist in decision-making during matches.
Tournament Format Expansion
The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a newly introduced Round of 32. This expansion raises the total number of matches to 104, making it the largest World Cup ever.
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