FIFA has announced a new rule that will be enforced at every match of the 2026 World Cup, which is set to be hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, 2026, will be the first to feature an expanded format of 48 teams, an increase from the previous 32.
One of the key changes involves mandatory water breaks during every game. These breaks, lasting three minutes, will be implemented by referees at the midpoint of each half. This decision was made with player welfare in mind, anticipating high temperatures and humidity during the matches. FIFA consulted with coaches and broadcasters before implementing this rule. Manolo Zubiria, the chief tournament officer, has confirmed that these water breaks are mandatory regardless of the location of the match.
In addition to the water breaks, FIFA is considering expanding the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol. A major proposal involves allowing VAR to review corner-kick decisions and second yellow cards, areas traditionally outside its purview. Currently, VAR cannot correct incorrectly awarded corners or unjust second bookings, even if they significantly impact the game. The goal is to prevent unfair expulsions and ensure set-piece decisions are accurate. This potential change mirrors FIFA's approach in 2017, where new protocols were tested before global implementation.
The International Football Association Board (IFAB), responsible for the Laws of the Game, has already discussed this matter. During an October meeting, IFAB acknowledged the need for VAR intervention when a player receives an incorrect second yellow card. A formal proposal is expected at IFAB's annual meeting on January 20, 2026, in London. If approved, the World Cup will serve as a testing ground before any permanent rule change.
FIFA is also experimenting with measures to combat time-wasting. A new rule being tested at the Arab Cup in Qatar requires any player receiving on-field medical attention to leave the pitch for two minutes, unless the foul against them resulted in a yellow or red card. This aims to limit intentional delays and prevent teams from using medical stoppages as tactical timeouts. If successful, this rule could be implemented in future international tournaments.
The 2026 World Cup marks a turning point in global officiating, FIFA aims to minimize errors in crucial moments and improve refereeing accuracy. These changes are driven by the fact that the 2026 tournament will be the largest World Cup in history, with 48 teams and more matches, intensifying the scrutiny on every refereeing decision. FIFA's objective is to minimize controversy and ensure competitive fairness across the event. These modernizations to the officiating protocol could redefine how VAR is used in global football.
Furthermore, with the expansion to 48 teams, the format will consist of twelve groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a new round of 32. This format change, the first since 1998, will increase the total number of games from 64 to 104. Teams reaching the final four will now play eight games instead of seven.
