FIFA has introduced a number of new rules for the 2026 World Cup, covering heat breaks, VAR, substitutions, and throw-in changes. Here is a full breakdown of the regulations that will be in effect during the tournament.
Mandatory Hydration Breaks
To handle intense weather, official three-minute water breaks will take place near the 22nd minute of both halves, giving managers an unexpected chance to talk strategy with their squads. However, managers are strictly prohibited from holding tactical huddles on the sidelines with outfield players whenever a goalkeeper receives medical care.
Upgraded VAR
Video assistant referees now have the authority to fix incorrectly called corner kicks and overturn second yellow cards that are obviously wrong. Furthermore, referees will wear micro-cameras, and matches will use advanced ball chips that record data points to drastically accelerate the time it takes to review fouls and offsides.
Time Limit for Subbed Players
Any player being replaced has a maximum of 10 seconds to exit the field at the closest boundary line. If they take longer than 10 seconds to leave, their squad will be forced to play short-handed with only 10 men for a minimum of one minute, lasting until the next official pause in play.
Five-Second Limits on Restarts
If a referee thinks a player is purposely wasting time, they will use their hands to signal a visible five-second countdown. If time runs out during a throw-in, the opposing team gets possession; if the countdown expires during a goal kick, the opposition is awarded a corner kick.
Immediate Red Cards for Protests
Players who walk off the pitch to protest an official's decision will be given a straight red card. If an entire squad attempts to force the match to be abandoned, they will face an automatic forfeit—a penalty that also applies to any team staff or coaches who urge their players to walk off.
One-Minute Wait After Medical Treatment
Outfield players who receive medical care from a physio on the pitch must exit the field and wait precisely one minute before they are allowed to return. This rule will not apply if the player has a serious head injury, was involved in a collision, or if the opponent who committed the foul received a card.
Ban on Covering the Mouth During Arguments
A direct red card will be handed to any player who uses their hand, arm, or shirt to hide their mouth during an on-field argument. This rule was designed to help with lip-reading and stop players from shielding discriminatory remarks from television cameras and match officials.
