Three red cards and VAR confusion: The new World Cup rules already making headlines | OneFootball

The 2026 World Cup is only getting started but FIFA’s new rule changes are already proving to be one of the biggest talking points of the tournament.

Three red cards in the opening match, confusion among fans over delayed substitutions and questions about VAR’s expanded powers have brought football’s lawmakers into the spotlight before many teams have even played their second game.

FIFA introduced a series of changes ahead of the tournament in an attempt to speed up matches, reduce time-wasting and give officials more tools to correct obvious errors. While some of the new laws may take time for supporters to get used to, several have already had a visible impact.

More VAR??!!!

One of the biggest talking points has been the expansion of VAR.

For the first time at a major tournament, video officials can intervene over certain corner-kick decisions, incorrect second yellow cards and cases of mistaken identity. VAR can also become involved when an offence occurs before a set-piece is taken if it directly affects a subsequent goal, penalty or disciplinary decision.

The corner-kick element has generated particular confusion because fans have become accustomed to VAR only intervening for goals, penalties, straight red cards and mistaken identity. Now, officials have additional powers to correct what FIFA considers clear and obvious errors before play restarts.

Substitutions have also changed significantly

Players being replaced now have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the substitution process begins. If they fail to do so without a valid reason, the incoming substitute cannot enter immediately and must wait until the next stoppage after at least one minute has passed. The intention is to discourage players from deliberately wasting time late in matches, but the rule caught many supporters by surprise during the opening fixtures.

Respect the referees

FIFA has also cracked down on behaviour towards officials.

A player who covers their mouth, arm or shirt while confronting an opponent can now be shown a red card. The rule was introduced to help officials investigate allegations of abuse or misconduct that might otherwise be hidden from cameras. Players and team officials who leave the field in protest at a refereeing decision can also face dismissal.

The tournament’s opening match saw three red cards issued, immediately putting the new disciplinary framework under the microscope and prompting debate among supporters and pundits alike. While not all dismissals were directly linked to new offences, the stricter approach to player behaviour has become one of the defining themes of the opening week.

New countdowns

Other measures are designed to increase the tempo of matches.

Referees can now use visible countdowns to prevent delays at throw-ins and goal kicks, while injured outfield players who receive treatment generally have to remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes. FIFA hopes the changes will eliminate what it sees as tactical stoppages and reduce opportunities for teams to slow the game down.

Whether supporters embrace the changes remains to be seen. What is already clear, however, is that FIFA’s efforts to modernise officiating have ensured the referees and the rulebook are almost as prominent as the players themselves during the opening days of the World Cup.