Referees at the 2026 World Cup will use new rules and technology to make games faster and fairer. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds, or their team will play short-handed for a minute. Goal kicks and throw-ins now have five-second countdowns to prevent time-wasting. If a team delays, the opposing team could gain an advantage, like a corner kick or a throw-in. The video assistant referee (VAR) will have more chances to review important calls, such as offside positions and second yellow cards. Referees will also wear video headsets, allowing fans to see replays from the referee’s perspective. These changes aim to reduce time-wasting and improve the accuracy of officiating, ensuring a smoother and more engaging experience for fans and players alike.
QUESTION: How might these new rules and technologies change the way players and teams approach their strategies during the World Cup?
Referees at the World Cup have new rules to whistle during games
