IFAB approves new VAR rules and countdown clocks for 2026 World Cup
The International Football Association Board has agreed to implement significant rule changes, including countdown clocks for restarts and expanded VAR protocols, which will come into effect ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The game’s lawmakers confirmed the new measures will officially begin on 1 July, ensuring they are in place for the tournament starting on 11 June.
These updates focus heavily on combatting time-wasting and widening the scope of video technology.
Countdown clocks introduced
Referees will now initiate a five-second visual countdown if they believe a throw-in or goal kick is being deliberately delayed.
Failure to restart play within the time limit will result in an immediate turnover of possession.
A delayed throw-in will see the restart awarded to the opposition, while a stalled goal kick will result in a corner kick for the attacking team.
This follows data analysis showing that goal kicks – from collection to release – can currently consume up to a minute of playing time.
Former Select Group referee Andy Davies believes the penalty of losing the ball is far more effective than a caution.
“The threat of the opposition gaining possession from a reversed throw-in or a corner is a game changer in the fight against deliberate delaying tactics,” said Davies.
“It puts the responsibility back on to the players to speed things up.”
VAR scope expanded
The protocols for Video Assistant Referees have been widened to cover second yellow card offences for the first time.
Officials will also be able to intervene in cases of mistaken identity regarding cards awarded to the wrong player.
Furthermore, using technology to review corner kick decisions will now be an available option for competitions.
However, the IFAB did not deem physical grappling during set-pieces severe enough to warrant specific new legislative measures at this stage.
Substitution speed limits
To further streamline match flow, substituted players must now leave the field of play within 10 seconds of the board being displayed.
This rule aims to eliminate the slow walks often used by managers to disrupt the tempo in the dying moments of matches.
These changes build upon the recent success of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball, which officials believe has had a positive impact on game speed.
