Controversy at the Africa Cup of Nations 2026 has led to significant changes to the Laws of the Game ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Stricter punishments for players who leave the field in protest and a new rule against covering the mouth during confrontational situations are among the new changes.
Players who leave the field of play to protest about a referee's decision will be shown a direct red card. The rule also applies to team officials, who incite players to protest. Teams which cause a match to be abandoned will now have to forfeit the game.
A player who covers their mouth with their hand, arm or shirt in confrontations or altercations will receive a red card. However, players who cover their mouths while having friendly conversations will not be punished.
Other changes include a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, with a throw-in awarded to the opponents if the ball is not in play at the end of the countdown. During substitutions, players now have 10 seconds to leave the field when the board is shown.
VAR will intervene in cases of a red card issued for an incorrect yellow or mistaken identity. It will also be used for incorrectly awarded corner kicks and fouls.
A three-minute hydration break in each half will be introduced, taking place around the halfway mark of each half. Additionally, if a goalkeeper receives treatment on the pitch, players from both teams cannot leave the field of play to discuss it with coaches.
