FIFA to Ban Goalkeeper Injury Timeouts at 2026 World Cup

Players at the 2026 World Cup will be prevented from leaving the field to consult coaches when a goalkeeper is injured, according to FIFA referees' chief Pierluigi Collina. The change follows a pattern of teams using goalkeeper stoppages to receive instructions or disrupt play. Collina said referees will stop both teams from gathering at the benches during such incidents.

The International Football Association Board approved a separate change allowing VAR to review attacking fouls that occur before the ball is in play on corners and free kicks. The rule will apply when the foul has a direct impact on a goal, penalty, or disciplinary decision.

It will be reassessed after the tournament. Collina cited an England goal against Uruguay in March as an example where the review would now be permitted.

Collina also confirmed that players covering their mouths during confrontational exchanges with opponents will receive red cards. The measures form part of broader efforts to reduce time-wasting at the tournament. Other changes include five-second limits on throw-ins and goal kicks, and a requirement that substituted players leave the field within ten seconds.