The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has ratified a suite of rule changes for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Expanded VAR authority now covers erroneous second yellows, mistaken identity and wrongly awarded corners, while officials can review fouls occurring before a set‑piece restart. A visible five‑second countdown will govern throw‑ins and goal‑kicks, tightening time‑wasting controls. The changes aim to reduce controversial incidents.

Players covering their mouths during confrontations will receive an automatic red card, but casual banter is exempt. Leaving the field in protest also triggers a dismissal and forces a forfeiture if a team abandons play. Substitutions are now limited to 10-second substitutions after the board signal, with the incoming player required to enter at the nearest boundary point. Failure to comply will delay play.

Medical treatment off the pitch now mandates a minimum one‑minute off‑field period, except for goalkeeper, head‑injury or penalty situations. Each half will feature a three‑minute hydration break, giving referees discretion on timing. By curbing tactical timeouts and tightening procedural timings, the board aims to preserve flow and fairness, forcing coaches to adapt strategies within stricter constraints. Officials will enforce penalties consistently.