The use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology will be expanded at the FIFA World Cup 2026 following a rule clarification approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB). Under the revised protocol, VAR will now be able to intervene when an attacking player commits a clear foul before the ball is put into play from a set piece, provided that the offense directly influences a subsequent goal, penalty decision, or disciplinary action. The change is intended to address situations where misconduct occurring moments before a corner kick or free kick goes unpunished and affects the outcome of a match.

According to IFAB, VAR officials will be permitted to recommend an on-field review if a clear offense takes place before a set piece is taken and later contributes to a significant match incident. If the referee determines that a foul occurred, the goal or decision may be overturned, appropriate disciplinary action may be imposed, and the set piece will be retaken. The clarification extends VAR’s role beyond actions that occur after the ball has entered play and aims to improve fairness in key match situations.

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and former referee Pierluigi Collina cited a recent international friendly between England and Uruguay as an example of the type of incident the new interpretation is designed to address. In that match, an English goal followed a corner kick after an attacking player allegedly impeded a defender before the ball was delivered. Collina argued that such goals should not stand when an infringement directly prevents a defender from fairly contesting the play, describing the outcome as fundamentally unfair.

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The updated guidance forms part of a broader expansion of VAR responsibilities ahead of the tournament. Match officials will also be able to review red cards resulting from an incorrect second yellow card, instances of mistaken identity involving second cautions, and situations where a corner kick has been awarded incorrectly instead of a goal kick. FIFA believes these adjustments will help reduce clear and obvious officiating errors during the competition.

In a separate development, FIFA has introduced stricter guidance regarding players concealing conversations on the field. Players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm, or shirt during discussions could face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal, if officials believe the exchange involves misconduct or confrontation. Friendly and non-confrontational interactions are expected to remain permissible under the updated interpretation.

FIFA and IFAB are also examining ways to prevent teams from using injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts. While no formal rule changes have yet been adopted, referees have been instructed to discourage players from leaving the field to receive coaching instructions while treatment is being administered. The FIFA World Cup 2026, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is scheduled to begin on June 11 and will feature 48 participating nations.

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