FIFA implements several new rules for the World Cup 2026, check the entire list
Suspense Crime, Digital Desk : FIFA World Cup 2026, will have a series of new rules which include red cards if mouth covered during the confrontational incidents, more restricted substitution timings, more authority to VAR to check corner kicks. Also, hydration breaks and tighter penalties have been put in place for protests.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, will be played with a series of new rules which has been approved by the rule-making body IFAB which could impact the play of players, substitutes, andVAR. From next years World Cup held in the United States, Mexico and Canada, it will also include tougher penalties for protests, new time restrictions for substitutes to exit the field and extended VAR rules to check on play.
No mouth covering during confrontation
One of the new rules will be in regards to confrontational incidences between players. From next year, any player who covers their mouth with their hand, shirt or arms during any confrontation with an opposing player will be shown a straight red card. This rule comes after the incidents between Real Madrid player Vinicius Jr and Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni during this season's Champions League games.
More time restrictions for substitutes and penalties for delays
Substitutes will also have restricted time limits when leaving and entering the field of play. Players will need to exit the field of play within 10 seconds using the nearest exit. Should this not happen, the substitute is not able to come on until the next pause in the game and so the team plays with a man down. If the next pause comes within one minute, this is delayed even further.
Referees are to be given more power and responsibility in order to prevent time wasting. A referee may give a verbal 5-second warning for a thrown-in or a corner kick before deciding who should be given possession should this is not done in time by the player wanting to take the restart.
In each half, hydration breaks are also to be implemented in view of the weather conditions during the next tournament, especially during the host nation's heat.
More authority for VAR
Responsibilities for VAR have been extended, and referees will now be able to review incorrectly given corner kicks if the restart has not been delayed, as well as attacking fouls in a set play that have occurred before the restart. More intervention from VAR will take place if a player has clearly been given a second yellow card incorrectly or disciplinary action is taken against the wrong player by virtue of misidentification.
