FIFA introduces new substitution, VAR, and discipline rules for 2026 World Cup
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of new rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including broader powers for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), stricter substitution procedures, and automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths during heated confrontations.
The changes were announced ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada and is scheduled to begin on June 11, 2026. The new measures are intended to improve fairness, increase the pace of matches, and ensure greater consistency in officiating.
FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, said the regulations would be rigorously enforced, especially to reduce time-wasting, tactical stoppages, and excessive protests that have become common in modern football.
Among the key changes is the introduction of a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Teams that fail to restart play within the allotted time risk losing possession or conceding a corner kick.
Another major adjustment concerns substitutions. Players leaving the field must now exit within ten seconds using the nearest point on the touchline. Failure to comply could delay the entry of the replacement player until the next stoppage after one minute of play.
IFAB has also introduced stricter disciplinary measures during confrontations. Players who deliberately cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts while arguing or engaging in tense exchanges will now receive a red card. However, the rule will not apply to ordinary private conversations between players. The move follows recent controversies involving alleged abusive comments hidden from cameras.
In addition, players who walk off the pitch in protest of refereeing decisions will also face red cards, while teams responsible for abandoning matches could automatically forfeit the game. Coaches or officials who encourage such behaviour may face the same punishment.
VAR powers have also been expanded significantly. Officials will now be allowed to review wrongly-issued second yellow cards, mistaken identity cases, and incorrectly-awarded corner kicks. VAR may also intervene if fouls occur before the ball is in play during set-pieces, such as attackers illegally blocking defenders before corners are taken. Referees can then be instructed to conduct on-field reviews.
New medical regulations will also require outfield players treated on the pitch to remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes, except in cases involving goalkeepers, head injuries, serious collisions, concussions, or penalty situations.
Hydration breaks have also been revised, with mandatory three-minute cooling breaks now scheduled in each half of every World Cup match. Referees will have discretion regarding the exact timing depending on match conditions.
Collina also indicated that referees would actively prevent teams from using injuries as unofficial timeouts to receive tactical instructions from coaches, even though no formal sanctions currently exist for such behaviour.
In another major development, referees will be permitted to wear body cameras during matches as part of the updated Laws of the Game. Additionally, certain non-dangerous wearable items may now be allowed if properly covered and approved by match officials.
Speaking about the expanded VAR system, Collina said football authorities believe enough experience has now been gained since the technology was introduced in FIFA competitions in 2017 to justify revising the original protocols.
Tournament organisers believe the new regulations will improve the quality of matches, reduce unnecessary delays, and create a better experience for both players and supporters during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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