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The 2026 World Cup will feature stricter regulations as FIFA introduces new rules concerning time management and grants Video Assistant Referees (VAR) expanded authority during matches.

VAR officials will now be permitted to intervene if an attacking team commits a clear foul before the ball is played that directly influences a goal, penalty, or disciplinary decision.

This expanded authority allows VAR to act immediately prior to the ball being played in set-piece situations if an infringement occurs.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced these new measures over the weekend, confirming that VAR can now become involved in such situations.

According to IFAB’s clarification, VAR will recommend an on-field review if an attacking foul meeting the criteria occurs before the ball is played during a corner or free kick that leads directly to a goal, penalty, or disciplinary sanction. If the referee confirms that the foul took place before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will follow and the set piece will be retaken.

Before this announcement, former top referee Pierluigi Collina—now FIFA’s Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of FIFA’s Referees Committee—cited England’s 1-1 friendly draw with Uruguay in March as an example of a goal that could be disallowed under the new protocol.

Collina argued that Ben White’s goal should have been ruled out because Adam Wharton clearly blocked defender Jose Maria Gimenez from reaching the ball right before the corner was taken.

“We believe this goal should not have stood; it was completely unfair,” said Collina. “If a foul occurs just before the ball is in play, we believe there should be no objections.”

Starting this summer, VAR’s role will expand further, allowing referees to review red cards resulting from incorrect second yellow cards, cases of mistaken identity involving second yellows, and incorrect decisions awarding corners instead of goal kicks.

Tactical pauses under scrutiny

FIFA also aims to address the growing issue of teams using injury stoppages to conduct informal tactical meetings during matches while players receive treatment.

Although referees will not have new disciplinary powers, Collina stated that officials will be “proactive” in preventing teams from unfairly exploiting injury breaks.

“We will not allow teams to head to the bench while a goalkeeper is down injured,” he explained. “The goalkeeper has the right to treatment, but players do not have the right to take a mini-break with their coach.”

“We tell them, ‘Be aware that we know what’s happening,’ so we can avoid having all players leave the field. With captains and coaches present, referees will be ready to manage these situations.”

Anti-time-wasting measures

Other new time-related measures include a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks. If the throw-in is not taken before the countdown ends, possession will switch to the opposing team. If a goal kick exceeds the time limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.

Substituted players will have only 10 seconds to leave the pitch once the substitution board is shown and must exit via the nearest boundary line. If a player fails to leave within this time, their replacement will only be allowed to enter at the first stoppage after one minute of resumed play.

Central Kalimantan Fans Confident Mbappe and France Will Win the 2026 World Cup

In Palangka Raya, a young man named Fajar (23) was seen enthusiastically discussing the upcoming 2026 World Cup while managing parking at Café Along on Janah Jari Street.

Wearing a France national team jersey, Fajar confidently named Kylian Mbappe and his teammates as his favourites to lift the trophy in the world’s most prestigious football tournament.

“I’m supporting France,” he said when interviewed on Saturday (30 May 2026).

Fajar has long been a supporter of the French national team, backing them in previous major competitions as well. His loyalty is evident through the jersey he proudly wears while working.

“I’ve always supported France, that’s why I even have the jersey,” he added.

His admiration for the team is largely because of star forward Kylian Mbappe, whom he fondly refers to as “the Ninja Turtle.”

“It’s because of Mbappe—the Ninja Turtle. He’s my idol,” said Fajar, smiling. He considers the Real Madrid striker one of the best players in the world today. “He’s truly a megastar in modern football,” he added.

Key Players for France at the 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbappe

Mbappe remains France’s most decisive player, altering the way opponents approach them even before kickoff. FIFA’s tactical analysis of France at the 2022 World Cup highlighted how his advanced and wide positioning created inevitable counterattack threats, forcing rivals into tactical compromises.

With eight goals in that tournament, Mbappe won the Golden Boot, reaffirming his status as France’s attacking focal point. Now aged 28, he shoulders immense pressure heading into another major tournament. If he is not at peak performance, France’s attack naturally loses some of its potency, as the system is designed to maximise his explosiveness rather than replace it.

Ousmane Dembele

Dembele offers France a different yet equally valuable attacking dimension. His unpredictable runs, pace, and ability to create space in tight areas give Didier Deschamps an alternative weapon against compact defences. While Mbappe often leads direct play, Dembele injects unpredictability that can make France harder to read. However, consistency remains a concern—he tends to shine in moments rather than across full matches. His overall impact will depend on whether he can maintain reliability throughout the tournament.

William Saliba

Saliba is crucial for France’s defensive solidity against world-class opposition. His composure, spatial awareness, and physical presence make him a key asset in knockout stages where small errors can be costly. Yet his starting spot is not guaranteed, as Deschamps has several central defensive options and is unafraid to rotate when tactics demand it. Saliba’s challenge will be proving himself each time his name is on the team sheet.

N'Golo Kante

Kante remains one of France’s most trusted names, valued for more than his technical skills. He brings energy, defensive cover, and stability that allow creative players to operate freely. Although he no longer competes regularly in Europe’s top five leagues, his experience and football intelligence still make him a valuable tournament player. His main challenges are age and rhythm; he is no longer at his physical peak and lacks consistent exposure to elite weekly competition. France will still rely on his know-how, though questions remain about whether he can sustain top form throughout the campaign.

France Squad

Goalkeepers:
Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Robin Risser (Lens)
Brice Samba (Rennes)

Defenders:
Lucas Digne (Aston Villa)
Malo Gusto (Chelsea)
Lucas Hernandez (Paris Saint-Germain)
Theo Hernandez (Al Hilal)
Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)
Jules Kounde (Barcelona)
Maxence Lacroix (Crystal Palace)
William Saliba (Arsenal)
Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich)

Midfielders:
N'Golo Kante (Fenerbahce)
Manu Kone (AS Roma)
Adrien Rabiot (AC Milan)
Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
Warren Zaire-Emery (Paris Saint-Germain)

Forwards:
Maghnes Akliouche (AS Monaco)
Bradley Barcola (Paris Saint-Germain)
Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)
Ousmane Dembele (Paris Saint-Germain)
Desire Doue (Paris Saint-Germain)
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
Kylian Mbappe (Real Madrid)
Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)
Marcus Thuram (Inter Milan)

Manager: Didier Deschamps