SportFootballWorld Cup 2026The World Cup gets underway next week and some significant rule changes will be implemented for the tournament which may impact the plans of England and Thomas Tuchel12:59, 01 Jun 2026Had enough of goalkeepers going down with cramp? Or would you rather watch an actual Royal Rumble re-run rather than the cheap imitation that now comes free with seemingly every single corner kick.Maybe you'd change something VAR-related. After all, there doesn't seem to be a week that goes by without some type of debate about a decision that was or wasn't given and how long it took for the correct (or incorrect) outcome to be reached.Well, some big changes around the laws of the game are coming into place ahead of the World Cup, which kicks off next week.Those changes mean we will hopefully be seeing less of the constant grappling before set-pieces. And there will be no more tactical timeouts delivered via 'stricken' goalkeepers.Some changes may be less popular. For example, VAR's scope could be enhanced, allowing them to intervene on second yellow cards. Hydration breaks are also locked in.Make sure you're up to date for the World Cup by catching up on the nine new rules you need to know this summer:VAR will be used to stop grappling and blocking BEFORE corners and free-kicks. But only the attacking team will be penalisedPlayers covering their mouths while talking to an opponent in an “aggressive manner” can be sent off. Think Benfica’s Gianluca Pellestri vs Vinicius JrPlayers 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 crazy scenes at the African Cup of Nations.Article continues belowFive seconds to take a throw-in or it will be given to the opponent.Five seconds for goal-kicks or a corner to be taken or it will be given to the opponentPlayers must leave the field within 10 seconds of being substituted - unless injured. If the rule is broken then the replacement sub has to wait for 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 or concussionVAR 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.Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us - and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Choose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌World Cup 2026