New rules for the 2026 World Cup: "Tactical timeouts" using goalkeeper injuries are strictly prohibited.

Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA's Referees Committee, revealed that at the 2026 World Cup, when a goalkeeper is injured and falls to the ground, players on the field will be strictly prohibited from going to the technical area or the bench to communicate with the coach on tactics.

In recent years, the "goalkeeper tactical timeout" has sparked widespread controversy in football. Some head coaches instruct their goalkeepers to feign injury and call the team doctor, while other players use the opportunity to rush to the sideline to receive the coach's latest tactical instructions, thereby disrupting the opponent's momentum.

Leeds United manager Daniel Falk had previously publicly accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of exploiting loopholes in the rules in this manner. To curb this phenomenon, FIFA has decided to draw on the experience of the US Women's National Soccer League. The new rule requires that when a goalkeeper is injured, the other players on the field must remain in place or gather in the center circle.

Collina stated that FIFA has held a meeting with the coaches of all 48 participating teams in this World Cup, clearly informing them that referees will proactively intervene. Collina emphasized that goalkeepers have the right to be injured, but other players do not have the right to leave the field for tactical timeouts. The past instances where all players left the field, leaving only the referee and team doctor, were highly unusual.

While this new rule cannot completely prevent teams from using injuries to disrupt the game's rhythm, and this World Cup still includes a three-minute water break in each half, it will effectively deprive coaches of the opportunity to give tactical instructions mid-match. It is understood that referees will be fully responsible for enforcing this rule, but players who violate it by walking towards the sideline will not be shown yellow cards or subject to disciplinary action.

In addition, the International Football Association Board (Ifab) approved another change that allows Video Assistant Referees (VAR) to review attacking fouls that occurred before the ball was put into play.

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