There are many times that the FIFA World Cup has been the venue for significant rule changes in football.
Yellow and red cards were added in 1970, Video Assistant Referee (VAR) was used at the 2018 World Cup and referees had much more extended stoppage times at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The next edition of the World Cup, in the United States and Canada in 2026, will see further changes based upon player welfare, discipline and the reduction of time-wasting.
A major shift will be the mandated water breaks. All matches will have a three-minute break half-way through each half, irrespective of weather conditions or whether the stadium roof is open or closed.
FIFA states that it needs to be done to safeguard players’ health, but critics argue that it has more to do with the American-style sports broadcasting business, in which you get more advertising time.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) System will also have additional powers.
Also new for this year, officials will be able to review goals, penalties, and straight red cards, as well as review second yellow-card dismissals and wrongly awarded corners, but not if it slows the game.
In a bid to address time wasters, FIFA will implement countdown systems for goal kicks, throw-in kicks and substitutions.
If players do not restart in time, they could be handing the ball to the other team. Subbed players must come off the field within 10 seconds or the substitute will have to wait until the next stoppage to come on the field.
There are also tough disciplinary measures being introduced.
Players covering their faces during confrontations could result in a red card for players and teams walking off the pitch in protest may result in disqualification.
According to FIFA, these regulations are in place to preserve the integrity of the competition and ensure that it runs in a disciplined fashion.
Also read: Iran engages in positive talks with FIFA ahead of World Cup 2026
