IFAB confirms nine rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including expanded VAR powers

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved nine significant rule changes that will come into effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins in Mexico City on June 11.

The most consequential change expands VAR’s remit to cover foul play in the penalty area before corners and free-kicks are taken. Under the new protocol, if an attacking player commits a clear offence before the ball is in play at a corner or free-kick — and that offence directly affects a goal, penalty, or disciplinary sanction — the VAR can recommend an on-field review. Should the referee confirm the offence, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the set-piece will be retaken. VAR will also now be able to intervene on second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity on yellow and red cards, and corners that have been incorrectly awarded.

Two further red-card rules have been introduced. Any player who covers their mouth while speaking to an opponent in an aggressive manner will be shown a red card, though the same gesture in a friendly context is permitted. Players or coaches who leave the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision will also receive an automatic red card — a measure that follows incidents at the recent Africa Cup of Nations final.

Time-wasting has been targeted through several new provisions. Throw-ins and goal-kicks will be subject to a five-second countdown; failure to take a throw-in in time hands possession to the opposition, while a corner is awarded for any violation of the goal-kick rule. Players must also leave the field within ten seconds of being substituted — unless injured or removed for safety reasons — and any delay will prevent the incoming substitute from entering until the next break in play sanctioned by the referee.

Players who go off for treatment will not be permitted to re-enter the pitch for one minute, with exceptions made for goalkeepers with concussion injuries and for penalty takers who are injured at the time a spot-kick is awarded.

Finally, a three-minute hydration break will be held at the midway point of each half in every match throughout the tournament.