IFAB Expands VAR Powers and Introduces New Rules for 2026 World Cup and Bundesliga

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a set of significant football rule changes that will debut at the 2026 World Cup and are anticipated to be adopted by the Bundesliga next season. Central to these changes is the expanded authority of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which will now be able to review the correctness of corner kicks, reducing errors that could influence goals. VAR’s scope will also include reviewing yellow-red cards that lead to ejections, correcting mistaken identities involving players from different teams, though initial yellow cards without dismissal will generally not be subject to review.

Additionally, time-management rules will become more rigorous: a visual five-second countdown can be initiated by referees for throw-ins and goal kicks if there is perceived delay. Substituted players must leave the field within ten seconds of the substitution announcement; if they fail to do so, the substitute must wait for the next stoppage before entering. Furthermore, players receiving injury treatment must remain off the field for one minute after play resumes to prevent disruption.

While the new rules will not be mandatory universally, German football authorities, including the DFB and DFL, are expected to align with these changes to ensure consistency and improved game flow. These updates mark a clear step toward leveraging technology and enforcing pace-of-play regulations in football’s top competitions.