Fifa mandates strict time controls and VAR expansion for 2026 World Cup
The International Football Association Board has approved measures including the elimination of goalkeeper tactical timeouts, mandatory hydration breaks, and expanded video assistant referee powers for the tournament in North America.
Fifa referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has confirmed that goalkeeper tactical timeouts will be prohibited at the 2026 World Cup, a move designed to prevent teams from using simulated injuries to halt play and consult with coaching staff. The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has formally approved the change, ensuring that players will no longer be permitted to leave the field of play to speak with coaches when a goalkeeper is injured.
Under the new regulations, officials will enforce a proactive stance against such delays. Collina stated that while a goalkeeper retains the right to receive medical attention, other players do not have the right to exit the pitch for a tactical discussion. Referees will intervene to stop teams from moving to the technical area, although no disciplinary sanctions such as yellow cards will be issued to players who attempt to do so.
The governance of set pieces will also undergo significant revision. Ifab has accepted Collina’s request to allow VAR reviews of attacking fouls committed before the ball is in play during corners and free-kicks. This protocol update aims to address situations where an attacker illegally obstructs a defender, potentially leading to disallowed goals, awarded penalties, or disciplinary sanctions if the foul directly impacts the subsequent play.
To further reduce time-wasting, the tournament will implement strict countdowns and limits for restarts. Throw-ins and goal-kicks will be subject to a five-second countdown, with the ball awarded to the opposition if a player deliberately delays. Substitutions are limited to 10 seconds, and players requiring treatment must leave the field for one minute. These measures are intended to streamline the game, although mandatory three-minute hydration breaks will remain in place for each half.
Additional disciplinary measures include a red card offence for players who cover their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent, a rule introduced following high-profile incidents involving homSigma conduct. Collina also noted that referees will be provided with data on teams’ tactical approaches to monitor grappling inside the penalty area, with the overarching goal of reducing the excessive stoppage times observed in previous tournaments.
