Football regulation changes for the 2026 World Cup: VAR and new red card rules

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has introduced a number of significant rule changes that will apply ahead of the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The changes aim to combat discrimination, reduce time-wasting, increase the pace of the game and improve the experience for fans and players alike. The chairman of the FIFA Referees' Committee, Pierluigi Collina, stressed that the changes were aimed at "cleaning up the game as much as possible." The new regulations include: a red card for covering the mouth in confrontational situations and a red card for players leaving the pitch in protest against the referee's decision.  VAR, which was first introduced at the Confederations Cup in 2017, will now be able to intervene in the event of incorrectly awarded corner kicks. The decision can only be overturned if VAR is able to do so immediately, without delaying the game. IFAB will also introduce new rules regarding the treatment of players on the pitch. Players will be required to leave the field for one minute after play resumes, with certain exceptions. Another new feature is the time limit for players leaving the field during substitutions, which is intended to minimize wasting time. These changes were discussed in detail during workshops attended by coaches of all 48 national teams participating in the tournament. Each player will receive the same explanations before the tournament starts on June 11.