World Cup 2026: officiating rules to change

Major changes have been announced for officiating just months before the 2026 World Cup.

At its 140th general assembly in Wales, the International Football Association Board ratified several updates to the laws of the game that will take effect starting with the 2026 World Cup. The board confirmed an expanded scope for video assistance intervention and tougher measures aimed at speeding up the pace of matches.

VAR will now be able to correct certain specific disciplinary errors, such as a red card following a wrongly issued second yellow, or a sanction given to the wrong player. An incorrect corner decision can also be overturned, provided the review is immediate.

Additionally, referees will be equipped with new tools to limit time-wasting: countdowns for certain stoppages, strict deadlines for players to leave the pitch during substitutions, and mandatory temporary exits after medical attention—except for goalkeepers.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.