FIFA says match tempo, and limiting time-wasting, will be point of emphasis at World Cup

FIFA’s on-field officers for the World Cup will insist on conserving matches transferring by taking rule modifications designed to restrict time-wasting severely, the game’s governing physique mentioned on Sunday (Might 31, 2026) with the beginning of the 48-team event now lower than two weeks away.

Additionally among the many factors of emphasis for referees and officers: a dedication to issuing crimson playing cards to any participant who covers his mouth whereas speaking to an opponent in a “confrontational state of affairs,” FIFA mentioned.

“We’re persevering with on attempting to realize an goal, which is to eradicate from matches — as a lot as potential — the disruption of the tempo of the match,” mentioned Pierluigi Collina, FIFA chief refereeing officer and chair of the referees committee.

Different points that referees might be conscious of throughout the event:

— If a participant leaves the sector of play after being angered by an official’s choice, a crimson card will be issued.

— To hurry up play, referees can institute a five-second visible countdown on purpose kicks and throw-ins. If the purpose kick just isn’t taken earlier than the top of that countdown, a nook kick might be awarded to the opposing staff. If the throw-in just isn’t executed by the top of the five-second depend, a throw-in for the opponents would be the reward. It is alongside the identical strains of the so-called eight-second goalkeeper rule that has been in place for a while to launch the ball after making a save.

— Gamers getting subbed off should depart the sector inside 10 seconds, aside from particular conditions comparable to ones involving accidents or a safety situation.

— The protocol for Video Assistant Referee, or VAR, is being clarified in sure areas. VAR can be utilized to examine when crimson playing cards are issued following a clearly incorrect second yellow card, or when playing cards are issued within the case of mistaken identification. Incorrectly awarded nook kicks may also be checked by VAR, FIFA mentioned.

Gamers masking their mouth with a hand, arm or shirt might be given crimson playing cards if referees deem it to not be a pleasant dialog, FIFA mentioned. Conversations that aren’t confrontational however nonetheless have gamers shielding their mouths from public view will proceed to be permitted with out penalty.

“Confrontational … a totally totally different story,” Collina mentioned.

There has additionally been a clarification on VAR protocol “concerning clear offenses dedicated by the attacking staff earlier than the ball is in play at a nook kick or free kick” that instantly impacts objectives, penalty kicks or sanctions.

VAR can be utilized in these moments and “if the referee determines that an offense occurred earlier than the ball was in play, the suitable disciplinary motion might be taken.” However all of the emphasis on speedy play will not essentially imply faster matches. There might be three-minute water breaks halfway by every half of each match, FIFA mentioned.