Football's lawmakers, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), have approved a series of major new rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The changes include alterations to throw-ins, goal-kicks, and corners, as well as modifications to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.
Among the new regulations, teams will be allowed to make five substitutions per match, a rule already implemented in many competitions. Additionally, temporary substitutions for suspected head injuries will be permitted, allowing players to be assessed off the pitch.
The VAR system will see changes, including the introduction of a 'referee's call' concept, where on-field decisions will stand unless there is a clear and obvious error. The offside rule will also be tweaked to give attackers more leeway, with the benefit of the doubt going to the attacking player.
Other changes include stricter enforcement of time-wasting by goalkeepers, with a six-second limit on holding the ball, and new protocols for penalty kicks, including restrictions on goalkeepers' movement. The IFAB also approved trials for sin-bins for dissent and a 'blue card' system for temporary dismissals.
The 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the first to feature 48 teams. The new rules are expected to make the game faster and more fair, with a focus on player safety and entertainment.
