VAR will review pre-set-piece fouls at the 2026 World Cup after Ifab ruling
Video assistant referees will be granted new powers to disallow goals at the 2026 World Cup if attacking fouls are committed immediately before the ball is in play at set-pieces.
The International Football Association Board (Ifab) has announced the protocol clarification ahead of the expanded 48-team tournament.
Match officials can now intervene if a clear infringement occurs prior to a corner or free-kick being taken.
This strict approach applies specifically to incidents that directly result in a goal, a penalty kick, or a disciplinary sanction.
Targeting unfair blocks and interference
If the technology identifies an offence meeting these criteria, an on-field review will be recommended to the match referee.
Play would subsequently be restarted with the original set-piece following any appropriate disciplinary action.
Fifa’s chief refereeing officer, Pierluigi Collina, highlighted a recent international friendly involving England to illustrate the necessity of the change.
The former top official referenced a match against Uruguay where an attacking block from Adam Wharton preceded a goal by Ben White.
“If a foul is committed just before the ball is in play, we are convinced that nobody can object to something.”
“We are convinced that this goal cannot stand, it is completely unfair.”
Expanded technology and tackling time-wasting
The video review system was already scheduled to take on broader responsibilities at the upcoming global showpiece.
Officials will soon be able to review red cards resulting from wrongful second bookings and intervene on mistaken identity cases.
The sport’s lawmakers are also determined to address the growing trend of teams using feigned injuries to facilitate impromptu tactical discussions.
Referees currently lack specific disciplinary sanctions for this specific behaviour.
However, they have been instructed to proactively prevent players from approaching the touchline while medical treatment is administered to a teammate.