sports
FIFA Introduces New Rules for 2026 World Cup Referees
FIFA has updated soccer laws for the 2026 World Cup to reduce time-wasting and expand video review of key decisions. Referees will apply new timing requirements and wear eye-level video headsets during matches.
Jun 12, 5:00 AM·1m read2 sources
gamereactor.euAudio version
Tap play to generate a narrated version.
Developing·Limited corroboration so far. This page will refresh as more sources emerge.
FIFA has introduced several changes to the laws of soccer for the 2026 World Cup. The updates aim to speed up play and allow video review of certain officiating decisions. A substituted player must leave the field within 10 seconds. If the exit takes longer, the team will play with one fewer player for at least one minute before the replacement enters.
Referees will enforce five-second countdowns for goal kicks and throw-ins. If a goalkeeper or defender delays a goal kick, the referee may award a corner kick to the opposing team. A deliberate delay on a throw-in may result in the throw-in being given to the other team instead.
Video assistant referees will review additional situations during matches. These include decisions on corner kicks, offside positions, and second yellow cards that result in a player being sent off. Officials will wear eye-level video headsets that allow fans to see the same replay the referee viewed during key decisions.
The chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee has previously addressed time-wasting. At the 2022 World Cup, added stoppage time reached as much as 30 minutes in some matches.
