IFAB approves rule changes to debut at 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

The International Football Association Board approved a raft of law changes at its assembly on Saturday, to be used first at the 2026 World Cup. For clubs, the measures are expected to take effect from the second half of the year.

According to Meu Timao, the new laws will apply from the first of June, covering the tournament in Mexico, United States and Canada, with federations able to adopt them gradually afterwards.

Throw-ins and goal kicks will carry a five-second count, and failure to restart in time will hand possession to the opposition. Teams will have 10 seconds to complete a substitution, and if they do not, they will play with one fewer for one minute.

VAR may now intervene when a second yellow card has been applied incorrectly, to alert the referee to an improper dismissal, and in cases where a yellow card is shown to the wrong team. Technology may also be used on corners, provided it does not delay the game.

Any player who receives medical treatment must remain off the pitch for one minute before returning.

A separate proposal, still undecided, could prohibit players from covering their mouths when speaking to opponents, an idea that gained traction after the racism case involving Vinícius Júnior of Real Madrid and Prestianni of Benfica. The package is intended to speed up matches and increase ball-in-play time.

Source: Meu Timao