2026 World Cup Rules: VAR for Corners, Second Yellows & Countdowns

VAR gets POWER UP for 2026 World Cup

Breaking from IFAB AGM: VAR now fixes wrong corners & unjust second yellow reds. 5-second countdowns on set-pieces, 10-sec sub exits & more to end delays.

VAR now fixes wrong corners & unjust second yellow reds. 5-second countdowns on set-pieces...

The 2026 World Cup is set to introduce an expanded VAR system, allowing video replays to check second yellow cards and corners. This change was approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to improve the game's accuracy and fairness.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has expanded the scope of VAR to include reviews of second yellow cards (leading to red cards from clear errors) and clearly incorrect corner awards, with these changes set to apply at this summer's World Cup. The decision came during the board's annual general meeting on Saturday.

In addition, IFAB approved a series of measures to combat time-wasting and improve match flow, including introducing countdown timers for goal-kicks, throw-ins, and free kicks. If players fail to restart play within the allotted time (typically five seconds when deliberate delay is spotted), possession switches to the opposition, for example, a delayed goal-kick becomes a corner for the other team.

These updates aim to reduce unnecessary stoppages, maintain game tempo, and minimize tactical delays, and they will take effect across competitions from mid-2026 onward.

The new VAR system will enable referees to review red cards resulting from incorrect second yellow cards and corner kicks awarded in error, provided the review doesn't delay the game. This expansion aims to reduce mistakes and enhance the overall match experience.

In addition to VAR changes, IFAB has introduced measures to tackle time-wasting, including countdowns for goal-kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions. Players will have 10 seconds to leave the field after being substituted, and those who take too long will face penalties.

The current rules state that only straight red cards can be subject to a VAR review, not two yellow cards. IFAB says incorrectly awarded corners will only be reversed if the review “can be completed immediately and without delaying the restart.”

New rules are set to introduce countdowns for goal-kicks, throw-ins, and subs to curb time-wasting. If a player takes too long, possession switches to the other team - so a goal-kick could become a corner, or a throw-in goes to the opposition.

Players will have 10 seconds to leave the field once their number is shown on the substitute board. If they fail to do so, they must still leave the field immediately, but the substitute will not be allowed on until the next stoppage in play, after at least one minute of play has elapsed.

Players who receive treatment for an injury, or whose injury causes play to be stopped, must leave the field for one minute of play before being allowed back on.

The rule changes agreed at a meeting in Cardiff will officially become part of the laws of the game from July 1, but will be adopted at the World Cup which kicks off on June 11.

At its 140th Annual General Meeting (AGM), The International Football Association Board (The IFAB) approved a package of measures designed to enhance match tempo and reduce time-wasting across the game. @TheIFAB

➡️https://t.co/cHAxW3KwBY pic.twitter.com/XpQcUArpyA

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 28, 2026

The IFAB will also hold consultations to develop measures where players leave the field of play as an act of protest against a referee's decision and where players cover their mouth when confronting opponents during matches.

The Africa Cup of Nations final was delayed after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco was awarded a late penalty.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior claimed he was racially abused by Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League match against Benfica. Prestianni allegedly covered his mouth with his shirt and said something to the Brazilian, but denies the allegations. He's been provisionally suspended pending a UEFA investigation.