The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to feature a significant increase in the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology, as well as a crackdown on time-wasting tactics by players. These changes, announced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), aim to enhance the tempo and excitement of the matches during the prestigious tournament.
According to the IFAB, the governing body responsible for the Laws of the Game, the 2026 World Cup will see a greater number of incidents being referred to the VAR system for review. This move is intended to ensure accurate decision-making and improve the overall quality of officiating during the tournament.
“The use of VAR has been a valuable tool in enhancing the fairness and accuracy of refereeing decisions,” said IFAB spokesperson, Sarah Williamson. “For the 2026 World Cup, we want to take this a step further by increasing the number of incidents that are reviewed, ensuring that the most important calls are scrutinized and corrected where necessary.”
In addition to the expanded use of VAR, the IFAB has also announced a crackdown on time-wasting tactics employed by players during the 2026 World Cup. This includes measures such as stricter enforcement of yellow cards for delaying the restart of play, as well as the potential for players to be cautioned or even sent off for excessive time-wasting.
“One of our key priorities for the 2026 World Cup is to increase the tempo and excitement of the matches,” explained Williamson. “Time-wasting has been an ongoing issue in the sport, and we believe that by taking a firmer stance on this, we can help to create a more dynamic and engaging experience for both players and fans.”
The announcement has been met with a mixed reaction from the football community, with some players and coaches expressing concerns about the potential impact on the flow of the game. However, the IFAB maintains that these changes are necessary to improve the overall quality and entertainment value of the 2026 World Cup.
“We understand that there may be some initial resistance to these new measures,” said Williamson. “But our goal is to create a tournament that is truly thrilling and captivating for everyone involved – from the players on the pitch to the fans in the stands. We believe that by addressing issues like time-wasting and ensuring accurate decision-making, we can achieve that objective.”
As the 2026 World Cup approaches, football fans around the world will be closely watching to see how these new rules and regulations play out on the pitch, and whether they succeed in delivering the increased tempo and excitement that the IFAB has promised.
