New Rules to Restrict Tactical Timeouts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
As the FIFA World Cup approaches, a series of rule changes are set to be implemented, with one of the most notable being the restriction on players going to the touchline for tactical advice when a goalkeeper is injured. This change, announced by Pierluigi Collina, the referees’ chief, aims to prevent what has become known as the “tactical timeout.”
The so-called “tactical timeout” involves a goalkeeper deliberately going to the ground to receive treatment from physios while their teammates rush over to the coach for instructions. This practice has been widely criticized and has even led to controversy in major leagues such as the Premier League.
- One of the most high-profile examples occurred in November when Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to break up play. The incident sparked discussions about the fairness of the tactic and whether it was against the spirit of the game.
To address this issue, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has banned players from going to the touchline during such situations. If a goalkeeper is injured, both teams must remain where they are or gather in the centre circle, not being permitted to approach the bench.
Collina emphasized that while there will be no yellow cards or disciplinary action for players attempting to go to the touchline, all nations will be made aware of the new rules. He also mentioned that workshops were held with all 48 teams to ensure compliance.
- “We had a workshop with all the coaches of all the 48 teams and we told them that referees will be proactive,” explained Collina. “They will not allow the two teams to go to the benches when a goalkeeper is lying on the ground injured.”
While the rule change addresses part of the problem, it does not prevent goalkeepers from going down simply to disrupt the momentum of the opposing team. However, the relevance of this measure at the World Cup is debatable, given the inclusion of a three-minute hydration break in each half due to the hot weather, which serves as a natural timeout for coaches.
In addition to the tactical timeout rule, several other law changes are set to speed up play and reduce time-wasting. These include:
- Throw-in countdown (five seconds): If a player deliberately delays the restart of play, the throw can be given to the opposition.
- Goal-kick countdown (five seconds): Also applies to deliberate attempts to run down the clock and can result in a corner being awarded.
- Time-limited substitutions (10 seconds): Substituted players have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point. If they fail to do so, the substitute cannot enter the field for at least one minute and the team must continue with 10 players.
- Off-field treatment (one minute): Players who are treated by the physio must stay off the field for 60 seconds. There are some exceptions, including for goalkeepers, injuries, and if the opponent is booked or sent off.
Another rule change involves players covering their mouths during confrontational situations with opponents. This is in response to the controversy surrounding Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr in a Champions League game in February. Prestianni covered his mouth during a confrontation with Vini Jr, leading to a six-game ban for homophobic conduct.
The VAR protocols have also been updated for the tournament. Video assistant referees now have new powers to intervene if fouls are committed immediately before the ball is in play at set-pieces. This means VAR can step in if a clear foul committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play leads to a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.
In a statement, IFAB said: “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.”
These rule changes aim to enhance the flow of the game and ensure fair play. As the World Cup approaches, these updates are expected to bring a new level of structure and efficiency to the sport.
