Fifa has announced six major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including a ban on the so-called 'tactical timeout' where goalkeepers feign injury to allow coaches to give instructions. Referees' chief Pierluigi Collina confirmed the International Football Association Board (Ifab) has outlawed the practice, which has become common in football.
Under the new rule, if a goalkeeper is injured, all other players must stay on the pitch or gather in the centre circle. They are not permitted to approach the touchline for tactical advice. Collina stated that referees will be proactive in enforcing this, though no yellow cards will be issued for violations.
Other changes include a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, with the ball awarded to the opposition if delayed. Substitutions must be completed within 10 seconds, or the substitute must wait a minute to enter. Players receiving treatment must remain off the field for 60 seconds, with exceptions for goalkeepers and serious injuries.
Covering the mouth during confrontational exchanges with opponents may now result in a red card, following a controversy involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr. VAR protocols have also been updated to allow intervention for fouls committed immediately before set-pieces.
Collina expressed hope these measures will reduce stoppage time, which reached high levels in the 2022 tournament. The changes aim to speed up play and curb time-wasting, though the effectiveness of the goalkeeper rule at the World Cup is debated given the existing hydration breaks.
