Tactical timeout ban and new VAR powers - major World Cup rule changes unveiled

Major rule changes have been announced ahead of the 2026 World Cup - including expanded powers for VAR, 10-second substitutions and a crackdown on tactical timeouts.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the changes for this summer's men's tournament, which is being hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, and runs from 11 June to 19 July.

The raft of new measures were announced as Thomas Tuchel's England squad boarded a flight from Birmingham to Miami on Monday to begin their pre-tournament training in the US.

VAR (video assistant referee) changes

In an effort to clamp down on grappling before corners and free kicks, the VAR will be able to intervene if an attacker commits a foul before the ball is in play.

If an offence is identified that has a direct impact on a goal or penalty kick, referees will be sent to the on-field monitor for the final say.

They could then take disciplinary action, such as issuing a card, as well as ordering the set piece to be retaken.

VAR checks on awarding corners will only be used to correct obvious errors - but must not delay the restart of play.

Officials will also only intervene for incorrectly-awarded second yellow cards and will not recommend a second booking where one was not originally shown on the pitch.

Timewasting punishments

A 10-second time limit for substitutions will be enforced. If teams overrun, the player coming on will have to wait an extra minute off-field.

To speed up play, referees will be able to start a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Throw-ins will be reversed and corners awarded where too long is taken.

Read more: Everything you need to know about World Cup 2026

Where an injury forces play to be stopped, that player will have to stay off the pitch for at least one minute after play restarts.

Exceptions will apply in cases involving goalkeeper injuries, collisions, head injuries, concussions or situations where the injured player is due to take a penalty.

Tactical timeouts to be stopped

There will be a crackdown on the growing issue of teams using injuries to break up play and hold team talks mid-game while players receive treatment.

In November, Leeds boss Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of "bending the rules" after he went down with a supposed injury during their Premier League match.

While Donnarumma was receiving treatment, Man City boss Pep Guardiola gathered his team on the touchline, giving them new instructions.

"When there was a short break, the manager got us together and we adapted to their formation," City's Phil Foden revealed post-match.

Farke said "everyone knows why he went down", but equally emphasised the tactic was "clever" and within the current laws.

Referees at the World Cup will have no specific sanctions at their disposal. However, FIFA's chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said match officials would be "proactive" in preventing teams from unfairly taking advantage of injuries.

"We will not allow the teams going to the benches when a goalkeeper is lying on the ground injured," he said.

"The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field of play to have some sort of time out with their respective coaches."

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New conduct rules

A red card will be shown to players who cover their mouths with their hand, arm or shirt in a confrontation with an opponent.

Players who walk off the pitch in protest against a refereeing decision - and team staff who encourage players to do so - will also now be shown a red card.

Teams causing matches to be abandoned will automatically forfeit the game.

Another rule change is the introduction of a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half during every World Cup match.

Referees will be given flexibility over when the stoppage takes place depending on injuries or the flow of the game.

(c) Sky News 2026: Tactical timeout ban and new VAR powers - major World Cup rule changes unveiled