IFAB introduces new rules ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup ft. Vinicius Jr rule

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :March 1, 2026 at 10:47 PM

Modified at :March 1, 2026 at 10:47 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

We are just a few months away from this sport’s greatest competition.

IFAB (International Football Association Board) has announced new rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup to tackle racism in the competition as the tournament approaches.

When players confront their opponents, they will not be allowed to cover their mouths during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The significant anti-racism action stems directly from the reported taunts directed at Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid during the Champions League playoff match against SL Benfica.

Five major rules to show up in FIFA games at 2026 World Cup

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump join FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other guests while watching the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is the first time in the history of the FIFA CWC that the United States has hosted the competition, one year before the U.S., Mexico and Canada are scheduled to host the World Cup in 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Football’s legislators, the International FA Board, have approved other modifications for the competition ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Among them are:

Unless there are yellow or red card fouls involved, all players who need treatment must leave the field for one minute.
Players taking goal kicks and throw-ins have a five-second countdown.
VAR will now decide on incorrect corners and second yellow cards in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
When a player is substituted, they have ten seconds to leave the field, or their replacement won’t be permitted to start right away.

IFAB will also experiment with temporarily cutting teams to ten players if a goalie is injured. This is to lessen “tactical” injuries because keepers are not required by law to leave the field.

In Canada’s top division, formal trials of Arsene Wenger’s offside idea will begin. Then, goals will only be called off if an attacker and a defender are clearly separated.

Following Vinicius Jr.’s allegation that he was subjected to racial abuse by Prestianni, players covering their mouths during talks with competitors has become a heated topic.

The Argentine covered his mouth with his shirt as the Brazilian accused the 20-year-old of calling him a “mono,” which is the Spanish word for monkey.

What rules could be introduced in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Plenty of rules are being assessed that might be implemented in the competition, and one of them is that if a goalkeeper is injured, both sides might have to play with 10 players.

What is Vinicius Jr rule?

Players will not be allowed to cover their mouths when confronting their opponents.

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Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.