Football rule changes to be introduced during upcoming World Cup tournament

FIFA Announces Rule Changes for World Cup 2026

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved several changes to the Laws of the Game, which will come into effect from the 2026-2027 season and at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in June. The amendments aim to address issues such as discrimination, time-wasting, and player safety.

According to the new rules, players who cover their mouths with their hands, arms, or shirts during confrontational situations will receive a red card. However, this rule does not apply to players engaging in friendly conversations with teammates from opposing national teams.

Players who leave the field of play to protest against a referee’s decision will also be issued a red card. Additionally, teams that cause a match to be abandoned will now forfeit the match.

The new rules also introduce changes for throw-ins and corner kicks. If the ball is not in play at the end of a five-second countdown, a throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team. Similarly, if a goal kick is not taken within the same timeframe, a corner kick will be awarded.

Players have 10 seconds to leave the field when the substitution board has been shown. They must depart from the nearest point on the boundary line. Exceptions will be made for player injuries and concerns related to safety and security.

The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will also be expanded. VAR will now be used to review red cards issued after a clearly incorrect second yellow card or when cards are issued in cases of mistaken identity. Incorrectly awarded corner kicks can also be subject to VAR intervention if the decision can be corrected immediately without delaying the restart.

Furthermore, VAR will intervene when a foul is committed before play restarts. The new rules also introduce a three-minute hydration break in each half of every match.

These changes are set to come into effect from the 2026-2027 season and at the upcoming FIFA World Cup.

Source: Al Jazeera