FIFA is evaluating significant modifications to the rules for the 2026 World Cup hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Key proposed changes include VAR intervention in awarding yellow cards and corner kicks—both unprecedented uses of VAR since its 2018 introduction. Additionally, if a penalty kick is missed—either saved or hitting the post—the opposing team would restart play with a goal kick, marking the first major shift in penalty procedure in over 134 years. These potential adjustments aim to improve fairness and game flow ahead of the first 48-team World Cup. Final decisions are expected by February 2026, ensuring implementation for the tournament that summer. This outlook underscores FIFA’s effort to adapt and modernize football regulations for a larger, more complex global event[1].
