Major Football Rule Changes Proposed Ahead of 2026 World Cup: VAR, Penalties & More

The world is getting riled up with a new proposal to overhaul the football regulations. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) the people who draft the law are considering a radical overhaul of the major rules of the game particularly the penalties. They want to make everything more equal, quicker, and more thrilling in the modern matches. The 2026 World Cup might become the tournament when these changes go live in case all goes well.

Let’s look at the changes that were made:

1. VAR Power Extension

In order to confirm or suggest a decision change, VAR consults with the on-field referee after reviewing video footage of significant situations. Extending the reach of VAR intervention is the subject is a significant proposal that was made by IFAB.

As Football lawmakers ponder more drastic reforms in football laws, VAR reviews for second yellow cards and corners may be introduced, and corner kicks may be submitted to VAR examination for “clear and obvious errors.”, to ensure realistic decision changes.

Netizens and supporters are of the perception that through these changes, the accuracy of decision making in critical situations will be enhanced. Meanwhile, the critics of the attempts caution that adding it may extend the matches further, which are already being pressured by added time and reviews.

2. One shot, One outcome: Proposal to bring changes in Penalty

Another controversial rule change proposal is to bring changes to Penalty Shoot. Previously, there was a chance for another attempt after rebound, but the propsal to bring new changes say-

Once a spot‑kick is taken:

1. If it goes in, kick-off will happen right away.
2. There is no second opportunity from rebounds if it is missed or saved, hence it is a goal-kick.

Removing rebounds from penalty kicks entirely is one of the most contentious new concepts being discussed. The reform’s proponents believe it will streamline possession enforcement and cut down on the drawn-out VAR discussion. However, critics caution that these adjustments would eliminate historical unpredictability and drama from the football story, but netizens see the reform as a way to simplify possession enforcement and reduce the long VAR debate.

At least 6 votes are needed for any adoption, and it is being held in time for potential ratification of the 2026 World Cup. To enhance the game before the inaugural 48-team World Cup, world chiefs are discussing potential legal changes at the highest levels.

3. A maximum time of 8 seconds: Restrictions on Goalkeeper

Goalkeepers are now only allowed to hold a ball for mostly 8 seconds. The existing penalty of an indirect free kick will be replaced with a corner kick for the opposition team if the limit is surpassed. The reason to bring this change is to promote constant play without any distraction and to get rid of any time wastage.

4. More precise possession rules: For ball dropping situations

The IFAB has made it clear that if one team had clear possession when play was halted and the ball was outside the penalty area, they will keep possession when play resumes in order to remove any confusion during ball drop restarts. The team that most recently touched the ball will be awarded the ball if possession is not clear.

5. Changes in VAR communication: Officials may speak to the audience

Another proposal to bring change in football laws is similar to the NFL, where competitions will also be given the opportunity for referees to audibly explain VAR decisions to spectators, increasing transparency. Nevertheless, based on their own rules and regulations, leagues may also decide to keep these communications confidential.

6. External contact: No cards for unintentional disruption

The restart will merely be an indirect free kick to the opposition if a coach, substitute, or even a player who was ejected inadvertently touches the ball outside the field of play. No disciplinary action will be taken; this regulation is intended to prevent excessive punishment for innocuous, unintentional situations.

7. Another big change in football laws: Double touch during penalty kicks has been revised

According to the new rules, if the penalty taker accidentally touches the ball with both of his foot, the goal will not be disallowed and the penalty will be retaken. This change is after the issues about the games having been controversial, as in the case of Julián Alvarez having his goal disallowed in the match played between Atlético Madrid and Real Madrid.

8. Positioning of the assistant referee: in line with the penalty spot

During assessing tight offside calls and goal-line rulings, from now assistant referees will line up with the penalty spot instead of the goal line. This modification intends to increase overall decision-making accuracy and better align with VAR technology.

Few additional innovations in the Club World Cup:

One of the most-hyped innovations will be referee body cameras, which will be used in the Club World Cup. Through making the fans look into the game with an experience in real time, and through the perspective of a referee, this unique project would like to raise the level of transparency and predisposition towards the judgment made on the field to be more acceptable.

Only the team captains will get the permission to talk with a referee in specific circumstances, to promote respect for match officials.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and beyond, these suggestions for changes to some football laws show a desire to boldly modernize football. In order for these drastic changes to formally become a part of football’s future, supporters and interested parties await the IFAB vote next year. With these proposals to bring changes in football laws, the world of football will be attentively observing how the beautiful game develops in the future.