FIFA has announced eight major rule changes that will make their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This followed the move by the world football governing body to improve match flow, strengthen discipline, and enhance officiating.
The amendments were outlined by FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer, Pierluigi Collina, ahead of the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to FIFA, the new measures are aimed at tackling discrimination, reducing time-wasting, increasing playing time, and improving the overall experience for players, officials, and supporters.
One of the most significant changes concerns players who cover their mouths during confrontations on the pitch.
Under the new rule, any player who deliberately covers his mouth with a hand, arm, or jersey during a heated exchange could face a straight red card.
The measure followed concerns about discriminatory or abusive comments being concealed from match officials.
FIFA has also introduced stricter sanctions for players or team officials who leave the field of play in protest against refereeing decisions.
Any team that causes a match to be abandoned in such circumstances will automatically forfeit the game.
To speed up restarts, referees will now use a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks.
Failure to restart play within the allotted time could result in possession being awarded to the opposition or, in the case of goal-kicks, a corner kick.
Substitution procedures have also been tightened.
Players leaving the pitch after being substituted must exit within 10 seconds and use the nearest boundary line.
Failure to comply could delay the entry of their replacement until after one minute of active play.
Another major amendment targets players receiving medical treatment.
Except in specific circumstances such as goalkeeper injuries, head injuries, or penalty situations, outfield players treated on the pitch must remain off the field for one minute after play resumes.
FIFA has also expanded the powers of the Video Assistant Referee.
VAR will now be permitted to intervene in additional situations, including cases involving mistaken identity, incorrect disciplinary sanctions, certain corner-kick decisions, and fouls committed before set-pieces are taken.
To address concerns about weather conditions during the tournament, mandatory hydration breaks will be introduced in every match.
Each half will feature a three-minute break, expected to take place around the 22nd minute, although referees will have flexibility to adjust the timing when necessary.
The final change targets tactical discussions during goalkeeper injury stoppages.
Under the new regulation, outfield players will not be allowed to leave the field while a goalkeeper receives treatment, preventing teams from using such stoppages as unofficial timeouts.
The rules are expected to be enforced throughout the 2026 World Cup, which will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams.
The new FIFA laws for the 2026 World Cup
Players covering their mouths
Players who cover their mouths during confrontations could receive a straight red card.
Players leaving the field in protest
Players who deliberately walk off the pitch to protest decisions face red cards, while teams causing match abandonment risk forfeiture.
Throw-in and goal-kick countdowns
Referees will use a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks to speed up restarts.
More details here...
