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The upcoming 48-nation World Cup in North America, set to begin next week, will feature several significant updates to the laws of the game, including two major changes related to VAR.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce five new laws designed to enhance both the fairness and the overall standard of football across host nations Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The tournament officially begins on June 11 with the opening clash between Mexico and South Africa — the first two sides to play under the new World Cup regulations.

The first VAR-related amendment focuses on corner-kick situations. Previously, corner decisions were not subject to video review, often leading to incorrect calls and, on occasion, goals resulting from them.

Under the revised rule, a VAR check for a corner must be completed swiftly before play restarts. Once the corner has been taken, teams will no longer be allowed to contest the decision, even if it was clearly wrong.

This new approach draws comparisons with the NBA’s challenge system, where a team must call a time-out and alert the referee of their intent to review a specific on-court decision.

If this process is not initiated quickly enough — or if, during the World Cup, a team or its staff fail to react in time or overlook a potential error — the original decision will remain unchanged, regardless of its eventual impact on the match.

The second adjustment to VAR concerns dismissals following two yellow cards. VAR will now be allowed to review a player’s second booking but will not examine the first yellow card on the assumption that a second might follow.

This modification seeks to reduce unjust send-offs; however, it still leaves the possibility that a player may receive an unfair first yellow and a justified second.

Another new rule targets ‘tactical time-outs’ used by goalkeepers to disrupt momentum and allow their teams to engage in technical discussions.

Under the change, if a goalkeeper goes down injured, players from both teams will be barred from approaching their technical areas for instructions.

Additionally, the introduction of countdown timers to curb time-wasting has been formalised, similar to the serve clock used in tennis.

Goal-kicks and throw-ins will now operate under a five-second countdown to ensure a quicker pace and reduce unnecessary delays during matches at the World Cup 2026.

Players being substituted will face a 10-second clock to leave the field, and failure to comply with these countdowns will result in disciplinary action.

The final rule change, which has sparked considerable debate among fans worldwide, addresses the act of players covering their mouths while speaking.

Footballers often do this to prevent cameras or lip-readers from interpreting their conversations with teammates or opponents.

At the 2026 World Cup, players who cover their mouths in a confrontational manner will face a red card. The intent behind this rule is to deter individuals from hiding offensive or abusive remarks under the guise of privacy.

Supporters will witness all these new regulations in action throughout June and July as the largest World Cup in history unfolds across North America.