More Power To VAR, Less Time-Wasting: IFAB Announces New Rules For 2026 FIFA World Cup

Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 20:34 IST

IFAB approved reforms at Hensol to speed up football, including countdowns for restarts, stricter substitution timing, and expanded VAR powers.

World football’s lawmakers have pressed fast-forward.

Meeting at their 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a package of reforms designed to speed up matches and clamp down on time-wasting.

The changes will take effect from July 1, 2026, including at the 2026 World Cup.

At the heart of the overhaul is an expansion of the countdown principle. If referees believe a throw-in or goal kick is being delayed, they can initiate a visible five-second countdown. Fail to restart before it hits zero, and possession flips — throw-ins awarded the other way, while delayed goal kicks will now result in a corner. The move builds on last year’s crackdown on goalkeepers holding the ball for too long.

Substitutions are also under the stopwatch. Once the board goes up, a substituted player has 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they linger, the incoming player must wait until the next stoppage after one minute of play has passed.

Injured players receiving on-field treatment will now have to leave the pitch and remain off for at least one minute once play resumes: a clear attempt to discourage tactical stoppages masquerading as injuries.

VAR powers have been expanded too. Video officials can now intervene in cases of incorrect second yellow cards leading to a dismissal, mistaken identity (including across teams), and clearly erroneous corner-kick decisions, provided corrections can be made quickly. However, VAR still cannot step in if a second yellow is simply not shown.

The updated Laws of the Game will also permit safely covered non-dangerous items to be worn, allow referees to use chest- or head-mounted cameras, and clarify dropped-ball procedures and accidental double touches at penalties.

In short: fewer delays, sharper decisions, and a stronger VAR presence.

(with Reuters inputs)

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