The New World Cup 2026 Rulebook

Mark Chapman is joined by Conor Coady, Chris Sutton and Adam Crafton as they discuss the changes to the rules at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with the BBC’s Football Issues Correspondent, Dale Johnson.

They delve into how players will be stopped from going to the technical area to talk to coaches when goalkeepers are injured and how VAR is being implemented at the tournament.

Timecodes: 0’20 - Why are changes made so close to the start of World Cup? 1’40 - Substitutes and 60 seconds off the field for an injury 3’58 - FIFA banning goalkeeper tactical timeout and hydration breaks 6’16 - 8 second countdown for a goal kick 8’20 - Are FIFA doing it because they’re worried games will overrun? 9’10 - VAR changes and corners 13’50 - Players being treated whilst play continues