IFAB
IFAB (the International Football Association Board) is the body that sets the laws of the game; it introduced three rule changes for the 2026 World Cup including a red card for mouth-covering and VAR review of second yellows.
Last refreshed: 5 June 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Will VAR review of second yellows reduce controversy or create new arguments at the 2026 World Cup?
Timeline for IFAB
implemented three rule changes for the 2026 World Cup: red card for mouth-covering, VAR second-yellow review, and mandatory hydration breaks
2026 FIFA World Cup: IFAB rule changes go live at World Cup- What are IFAB's new rules for the 2026 World Cup?
- IFAB introduced three changes for 2026: a red card for covering your mouth during confrontations, VAR review of second yellow cards before dismissal, and a mandatory hydration break near the 22nd minute of each half.Source: event
- Who controls the rules of football?
- IFAB (the International Football Association Board) sets the laws of football. It was founded in 1886 and comprises FIFA (four votes) and England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland (one vote each).
- Why can VAR now review second yellow cards at the World Cup?
- IFAB approved the expansion of VAR to second-yellow reviews for the 2026 World Cup, extending a technology previously limited to red-card offences. The change aims to prevent wrongful dismissals.Source: event
Background
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is the body that sets and administers the laws of association football worldwide. Founded in 1886, it is the oldest football governing body in existence, comprising the four British football associations (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) and FIFA, with FIFA holding four votes and the British associations one each. Any change to the laws of the game requires IFAB's approval before it can be adopted globally.
For the 2026 FIFA World Cup, IFAB introduced three rule changes that took effect from the start of the tournament: a red card for players covering their mouth during confrontations with opponents or officials; VAR review of second yellow cards before a player is sent off; and a mandatory hydration break near the 22nd minute of each half. The second-yellow VAR review represents a significant expansion of technology's role in match discipline, as VAR had previously been limited to red-card offences.
IFAB meets annually and its rule changes are adopted across most organised football globally, including all FIFA competitions, UEFA, and domestic leagues. The 2026 changes were subject to trials in lower competitions before being cleared for World Cup application.
