2026 World Cup New Rules: 5‑Second Restarts and Enhanced VAR
FIFA has introduced a set of IFAB‑approved rule changes for the 2026 United States‑Mexico‑Canada World Cup. The time allowed to restart play from the goal line or touchline has been reduced to five seconds to curb time‑wasting.
Referees will impose stricter sanctions on tactical delays and on‑field insults directed at officials. The VAR protocol has been upgraded, allowing officials to correct an erroneous second yellow that leads to an unjust dismissal.
Overall, the reforms aim to speed up the game and improve the spectator experience.
Article facts
| Category | Football |
|---|---|
| Published | |
| Language | en |
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