2026 World Cup: FIFA announces new laws ahead of the knockout stages

FIFA has confirmed a series of rule changes that will come into effect before the start of the 2026 World Cup knockout rounds, with the aim of improving fairness, reducing time-wasting, and streamlining match officiating.

The latest rule n the new penalty shootout procedure. Instead of two separate coin tosses, there will be a single toss, with the winning captain choosing either to take the first kick or decide which end the shootout will be held at. The losing captain will automatically receive the remaining option. FIFA believes the change will make shootouts fairer and simpler to administer, pending final approval.

Other new laws include stricter punishments for time-wasting, countdown limits on restarts such as throw-ins and goal kicks, broader use of VAR, and tougher action against players who deliberately conceal conversations with teammates or officials by covering their mouths. FIFA has also confirmed that yellow-card records will be wiped after the quarter-finals, reducing the chances of players missing the semi-finals due to accumulation.

The new regulations are expected to take effect before the Round of 32 begins, ensuring the remainder of the tournament is played under the updated laws as teams battle for a place in the final.

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