The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a series of changes to the Laws of the Game that will take effect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The amendments are aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving match flow, and enhancing player behaviour.
Goalkeepers can only hold the ball for eight seconds
One of the most significant changes affects goalkeepers. Under the new law, a goalkeeper who holds the ball for more than eight seconds will concede a corner kick. Referees will visually count down the final five seconds before applying the sanction. Previously, the punishment for holding the ball for more than six seconds was an indirect free kick.
Stricter substitution rules
IFAB has also introduced stricter measures to speed up substitutions. Players leaving the field must do so within 10 seconds. Failure to comply will prevent the replacement from entering until the next stoppage after one minute of play, leaving the team temporarily with fewer players.
Tougher action against delayed restarts
Throw-ins and goal kicks will also face tighter enforcement. Referees will use a five-second countdown when a restart is being delayed. If the countdown expires, possession will be awarded to the opposing team for throw-ins, while delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick.
Expanded VAR powers
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol has been expanded to allow intervention in cases of mistaken identity, clearly incorrect second yellow cards leading to dismissals, and wrongly awarded corner kicks when errors can be corrected quickly.
Hydration breaks introduced
Additional measures include mandatory hydration breaks in each half and restrictions on teams using injury stoppages, particularly goalkeeper injuries, as unofficial tactical timeouts. Players will be required to remain on the field rather than gather around the technical area for instructions.
Greater protection for referees
IFAB has also encouraged competitions to adopt the “only the captain” approach, allowing only team captains to engage with referees in specific situations to improve communication and reduce dissent.
Red cards for players covering their mouths during confrontations
Players who deliberately cover their mouths while confronting match officials or opponents may face disciplinary sanctions, including a red card.
Punishments for teams that walk off the pitch in protest
Teams that leave the field to protest a decision risk disciplinary action. According to IFAB, referees may abandon matches, while competitions can impose further sporting and financial sanctions.
