World Cup 2026 bans goalkeeper tactical timeouts and expands VAR reviews
TL;DR Summary
IFAB approved banning goalkeeper tactical timeouts at the 2026 World Cup, preventing players from leaving the field to confer with coaches when a keeper is injured (a move mirrored by the NWSL and enforced by referees). Separately, VAR will be able to review attacking fouls before the ball is in play on corners/free-kicks, potentially overturning or retaking plays; other tweaks include a red card for mouth-covering in confrontations and enhanced monitoring of grappling. Hydration breaks of three minutes per half remain to help speed up play and reduce stoppage time.
- Goalkeeper tactical timeouts to be banned at World Cup BBC
- Explaining football’s law changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup The New York Times
- FIFA says match tempo, and limiting time-wasting, will be point of emphasis at World Cup AP News
- VAR gains new powers at World Cup for fouls committed before ball is in play at set pieces ESPN
- England singled out by Fifa as it lays out grappling crackdown The Times
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