FIFA is reportedly planning to introduce three major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including the abolition of penalty rebounds. According to The Sun, if a penalty is saved or hits the post, the defending team will be awarded a goal-kick, ending the possibility of scoring from a rebound. This change mirrors rules in hockey and aims to address concerns that many fouls in the box occur when a goalscoring chance is not imminent, making it unfair for the attacking side to benefit from a second opportunity.
The 2026 tournament, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams instead of the traditional 32. FIFA's proposals also include expanding VAR's role to review yellow cards and corner decisions. Currently, VAR is limited to goals, penalties, and red cards. The new rules would allow video technology to prevent unjust second yellow cards and rule on corner awards.
Any changes must be approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), where FIFA holds 50% of the voting power. The proposals follow FIFA's controversial Club World Cup and are likely to spark debate among players and fans. England captain Harry Kane famously scored from a penalty rebound in Euro 2020, a scenario that would no longer be possible under the new rules.
