Law changes and innovations to look out for at the World Cup

PARIS – In 1970, it was the introduction of yellow and red cards. In 2018, the video assistant referee (VAR) system made its World Cup debut, while in Qatar in 2022 a directive from football’s world governing body FIFA to referees led to huge extensions to the amount of stoppage time played in games.

So what changes can we expect to see at the 2026 World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico?

Hydration breaks

Pauses to allow players to take on fluids have been regularly seen in games played in hot conditions, but they have never been introduced as a compulsory element of every match at a World Cup.

That will change in 2026, with FIFA bringing in three-minute hydration breaks midway through each half – regardless of the weather, even for matches played in cool conditions or under a closed roof.

“There will be no weather or temperature condition in place, with the breaks being called by the referee in all games, to ensure equal conditions for all teams, in all matches,” football’s world governing body said.

FIFA puts the introduction of hydration breaks down to a commitment to player welfare.

But cynics might say the decision to effectively split matches into four quarters resembles the way some leading US sports are played and suits American broadcasters, who might take advantage by selling advertising during the breaks in action.

VAR to review corners, second yellows

The VAR system was initially introduced to review possible clear and obvious errors in relation to goals, penalty incidents, straight red cards and cases of mistaken identity.

Earlier in 2026, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which determines the laws of the game, announced that it would allow VAR’s scope to be extended to cover second yellow cards and corners in time for the World Cup.

That means a review can now take place if a player is sent off for a second booking, as well as straight red card incidents.

The VAR system will also be able to review a “clearly incorrectly awarded corner” so long as the IFAB says, “the review can be completed immediately and without delaying the restart”.

Countdowns for goal kicks, substitutions

Countdowns will be introduced for goal kicks, throw-ins and substitutions in an attempt to discourage time-wasting.

If a player takes too long, possession will switch to the opposition, meaning a goal kick could become a corner or a throw-in would change hands.

This comes after the recent introduction of the eight-second time limit imposed on goalkeepers when they have the ball, which sees a corner given against them if they take too long.

“If the referee considers that a throw-in or goal kick is taking too long or is being deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will be initiated,” said the IFAB.

Meanwhile, players will have 10 seconds to leave the field once their number is shown on the substitution board.

If they fail to do so, they must still leave the field immediately, but the substitute will not be allowed on until the next stoppage in play, after at least one minute of play has elapsed.

Players who receive treatment for an injury, or where their injury causes play to be stopped, must leave the field for one minute before being allowed back on.

Red cards for covering mouths

Players who cover their mouths “in a confrontational situation with an opponent” can now be shown a red card, FIFA said in April 2026.

The announcement came after a Champions League incident in February when Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni covered his mouth while speaking to Vinicius Jr of Real Madrid. Prestianni was accused of racist abuse and subsequently received a six-match ban “for discriminatory (i.e. homophobic) conduct”.

In addition, FIFA said officials would be allowed to show a red card to any player who leaves the field of play in protest at a decision.

“This new rule will also apply to any team official who incites players to leave the field of play,” FIFA added. “A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match.”

January’s Africa Cup of Nations final was marred when Senegal players walked off in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco.

The players eventually returned and Senegal won the match. Still, the Confederation of African Football later stripped them of the title, saying “that the champions had infringed tournament regulations by walking off”. AFP