Geneva, June 3 (SANA) FIFA has confirmed a series of rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including expanded powers for video assistant referees (VAR) and new measures aimed at reducing time-wasting and improving match flow.
The changes, approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), will take effect from the 2026-27 season and will be in force during the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, which begins on June 11, 2026.
Under the new regulations, VAR officials will be allowed to intervene when a foul committed before a set piece leads to a goal, penalty or red card. Referees will be able to review incidents and order corner kicks or free kicks to be retaken if an infringement is identified in the build-up.
VAR will also be permitted to overturn incorrectly awarded second yellow cards and corner-kick decisions, marking one of the most significant expansions of the system’s authority since its introduction.
FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said the changes are designed to combat discrimination, reduce delays and improve the experience for players and supporters.
Other amendments include five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks, red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations, sanctions for teams that leave the field in protest and mandatory one-minute off-field treatment periods for injured players.
The tournament will also introduce three-minute hydration breaks in each half, scheduled around the 22nd minute. In addition, players will not be allowed to receive tactical instructions from coaches while a goalkeeper is undergoing medical treatment on the field.
Collina said the measures were intended to maintain the pace of matches and limit unnecessary interruptions.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
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