New FIFA World Cup Rules for 2026: VAR at Corners, 10-Second Substitutions, and More

Fresh Rules Set for the 2026 FIFA World Cup

The FIFA World Cup is rarely a stage for experimenting with new rules. Yet, as soccer tactics evolve rapidly, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has rolled out several new regulations for the 2026 tournament hosted in North America.

With a rising focus on set-pieces causing concern among fans who felt too much emphasis was placed on dead-ball moments, IFAB aims to reduce such interruptions and encourage more continuous play.

Key Changes to Watch

• VAR Intervention at Corners
• 10-Second Limit for Player Substitutions
• Five-Second Limits on Throw-ins and Goal Kicks
• No Tactical Timeouts for Goalkeepers
• Red Cards for Players Covering Mouths During Confrontations
• Penalties for Walking Off in Protest
• VAR Use on Certain Second Yellow Cards

VAR Now Monitors Fouls Before Corners

Previously, VAR only reviewed fouls after the ball was in play. If a foul happened before a corner kick, it wouldn’t be checked unless it continued after restart or involved violent conduct. This changes in 2026, with VAR able to intervene for fouls that occur before the corner is taken. This could lead to retaking corners and disciplinary actions.

Substitutions Must Happen Within 10 Seconds

To curb time-wasting during substitutions, players leaving the field now have a 10-second window to reach the sidelines. If they exceed this, the substitute must wait at least one minute before entering, leaving their team temporarily short-handed. Exceptions exist for injuries and safety concerns.

This rule was trialed in Major League Soccer and shown in a pre-World Cup friendly where a delayed exit led to a goal against Iceland in a match with Japan.

New Time Limits on Throw-ins and Goal Kicks

Players have just five seconds to take throw-ins or goal kicks once awarded. If they delay beyond this, possession switches to the other team via a throw-in or a corner kick respectively. Referees will signal when the countdown starts to avoid confusion.

No More Goalkeeper 'Tactical Timeouts'

IFAB wants to stop goalkeepers from faking injuries to create stoppages allowing teams to regroup on the sidelines. Referees will discourage players from leaving the pitch during these moments, though no formal punishments are yet in place.

Players Who Hide Their Mouths Face Red Cards

Hiding mouths during heated exchanges to evade scrutiny by cameras will now be penalized with red cards. This measure targets misconduct like racial or discriminatory abuse. The rule gained momentum after a Champions League incident where a player covering his mouth made it impossible to verify allegations of abuse.

Leaving the Pitch in Protest Leads to Red Cards and Forfeits

Players who walk off in protest over referee decisions will receive red cards. Teams leaving the field and delaying matches will forfeit the game. This comes after Senegal’s controversial walk-off in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, which cost them their title despite eventually winning the match.

VAR Can Review Some Second Yellow Card Decisions

Previously, VAR could not review yellow card decisions, even second yellows leading to send-offs. Now, VAR can step in for mistaken identity on second yellows or clear errors in issuing them. However, VAR won’t intervene if a second yellow should have been given but wasn’t.