SportFootballFIFA World CupThe 9 new rules you'll need to know for World Cup 2026The International Football Association Board has announced a raft of rule changes for the World Cup, including expanded powers for VAR and five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks08:43, 01 Jun 2026View of a monumental ball alluding to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Guadalajara, Mexico(Image: (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images))Football’s lawmakers the International Football Association Board have approved a series of major new rules ahead of the 2026 World CupThe International Football Association Board (IFAB) has announced a raft of rule changes for the World Cup. The 2026 World Cup gets under way in Mexico City on June 11.In one of the biggest moves, referee chiefs have been able to gain last-minute approval from IFAB to allow VAR checks to allow fouls to be given for penalty box grappling before corners and free-kicks are given.IFAB confirmed in a statement: “The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction. If the offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, the VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.”Also, a red card will be shown to any player covering their mouth while talking to an opponent in what is deemed an "aggressive manner". However, it is worth pointing out that doing it in a friendly way is fine.Players or coaches will be given an automatic red card if they leave the field of play in protest at a referee’s decision. This follows the scenes at the African Cup of Nations final.Five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks. If the throw is not taken in time, then it will be awarded to the opponent, while a corner will be awarded for any violation of the goal-kick rule.Players must leave the field within 10 seconds of being substituted - unless injured or for safety reasons. If the rule is broken, then the sub will not be allowed to enter the field of play until the ref says so in the next break of play.Players cannot re-enter the pitch for one minute if they go off for treatment. This is designed to crack down on time-wasting. There are exceptions if a keeper is injured with a concussion and also if a penalty kick is awarded and the injured player is the penalty taker.VAR can now intervene on second yellow cards, in cases of mistaken identity on yellow and red cards, and corner kicks being wrongly awarded. There will be a three-minute hydration break at the midway point in each half in every game through the tournament.Read the full story: Thomas Tuchel suffers World Cup blow as major rule change which will impact England emerges‌