FIFA World Cup 2026: New rules, law changes explained

The 2026 edition of the FIFA World Cup kicks off on Thursday, June 11, with co-host Mexico taking on South Africa.

The presence of 48 teams at the showpiece is not the only new thing about the World Cup. During this iteration, a large number of new changes to rules and laws will come into effect.

Here is an explanation of all the major changes in rules and laws ahead of the first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

Red card for covering the mouth

A player who covers his mouth with his hand, arm or shirt in confrontation situations will receive a red card. For example, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations with opposing teammates will not be punished.

Rule changes in VAR, offside technology

The VAR may now intervene in the following incidents:

• Red card issued due to a clearly incorrect yellow card.

• Mistaken identity: A player receives a yellow or red card for a foul committed by another player.

• Wrongly awarded corner kicks: VAR may intervene if the decision can be corrected immediately without delaying the restart.

• When a foul is committed before play has restarted (for example: when an attacker fouls a defender before the ball is in play from a restart).

• New semi-automated offside technology: Unlike the technology used during the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where information was sent directly to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), clear offsides are now sent directly to the match officials on the pitch.

Hydration break in each half

Due to the extreme heat in the host countries, FIFA has introduced a three-minute water break halfway through each half of all World Cup matches. This means that even if conditions are not punishing, the game will pause for a drinks break at that designated time period.

Red card for leaving the field of play in protest

Players who leave the field of play to protest a referee’s decision will receive a red card. The rule also applies to any team official who prompts players to leave the field of play in protest. Teams that cause a match to be abandoned now lose the match.

Five second countdowns

Referees will start a five-second visual countdown with a raised hand if the restart of play is delayed. If the ball is not in play at the end of the countdown, a throw-in is awarded to the opponents.

If no goal kick is taken at the end of the countdown, a corner kick will be awarded to the opponents.

10 seconds for replacement

Players have 10 seconds to leave the field after the substitution sign is shown. Players must leave the field at the nearest point on the boundary line.

If the substituted player does not leave the field of play within the specified time, the substitute may only enter the field of play at the first interruption after one minute has elapsed after the restart and the referee gives him the signal.

Exceptions include player injuries, safety and security concerns.

Off-field treatment

After the restart, a field player must leave the field of play for one minute while medical personnel enter the field to treat him.

Exceptions include injuries to the goalkeeper, collisions between a goalkeeper and court player, collisions between teammates that require attention, serious injuries (such as head injuries and concussions), or when the injured player is about to take a penalty kick.

No ‘time-outs’ for goalkeeper injuries

If a goalkeeper is being treated on the field, players from either team are not allowed to leave the field of play and are allowed to have a ‘time-out’ with their respective coaches.

Published on June 11, 2026