IFAB Unveils New Football Rules and Expanded VAR for 2026 World Cup to Combat Time-Wasting
IFAB will implement new football rules and expanded VAR protocols at the 2026 World Cup to quicken the pace and reduce delays in matches.
- • IFAB approved countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks set at five seconds.
- • Substitutions must be completed within ten seconds, with penalties for delays.
- • VAR protocols expanded to address corner kicks and incorrect second yellow card decisions.
- • Players receiving medical treatment must leave the pitch for one minute after play resumes.
Key details
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced on February 28, 2026, a set of significant rule changes to be implemented starting June 1, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Designed to speed up play and reduce time-wasting, the new rules include countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks, limiting players to five seconds to restart play. Substitutions must now be completed within ten seconds, or the incoming player will be barred from entering until the next stoppage after one minute.
Medical treatment on the field will now require players to leave the pitch and only return after a full minute of play has resumed, further preventing delays. IFAB also expanded the role of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), allowing it to intervene on incorrect decisions involving corner kicks, wrongly issued second yellow cards, and cases where the referee penalizes the wrong player.
The rule changes were ratified during IFAB's general assembly with FIFA and reflect a collective push to enhance the pace and fairness of football globally. Additionally, IFAB plans consultations on protocols for players leaving the field in protest and addressing players covering their mouths in confrontations, spotlighted by recent allegations involving Vinicius Jr., signaling ongoing efforts to preserve sportsmanship and integrity.
These reforms represent a new phase in football officiating aimed at ensuring faster, fairer matches. As Brazilian fans look ahead to the World Cup, these updates promise to shape how teams and referees manage the flow of the game on football’s biggest stage.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (4)
Source comparison
Implementation date of new rules
Sources report different implementation dates for the new rules.
espn.com.br
"The new rules will be implemented starting June 1, 2026."
www1.folha.uol.com.br
"These changes will take effect during this year's World Cup."
ge.globo.com
"The changes will be implemented starting from this year's World Cup."
estadao.com.br
"The changes are effective from this year's World Cup."
Why this matters: One source states the new rules will take effect on June 1, 2026, while others indicate they will be implemented during the World Cup, which starts in June 2026. This discrepancy affects the understanding of when these changes will officially begin.