FIFA Introduces New Rule to Stop Tactical Breaks in 2026 World Cup

Jakarta- FIFA will prohibit players from approaching their technical areas during goalkeeper injury stoppages at the 2026 World Cup, in a move aimed at curbing so-called “tactical pauses” that disrupt match flow.

FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, said match officials would prevent both teams from heading to the sidelines when a goalkeeper goes down injured.

“Referees will not allow players from either team to go to the bench when a goalkeeper is on the ground due to injury,” Collina said, as quoted by the BBC on Monday.

He explained that the policy had already been presented during a workshop with coaches from all 48 participating teams in the 2026 tournament. FIFA emphasized that referees would take a more proactive role in stopping players from using goalkeeper injuries as an opportunity to receive tactical instructions.

At the same time, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved adjustments to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol. The update allows officials to review fouls that occur earlier in an attacking phase before the ball is played.

The use of injury stoppages as tactical breaks has drawn increasing scrutiny in recent years. Coaches have been known to exploit such moments to regroup their teams, deliver instructions, or break the opposition’s momentum.

One notable incident occurred in November 2025, when Leeds United manager Daniel Farke accused Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma of feigning injury to waste time and disrupt the rhythm of the match.

In such situations, goalkeepers typically sit on the pitch while awaiting treatment from medical staff. Meanwhile, outfield players gather near the technical area to receive instructions before play resumes.

IFAB has been studying the issue, although no formal amendment to the Laws of the Game has yet been adopted. Several domestic leagues have been encouraged to test potential solutions during the 2026–2027 season.

A similar rule has already been introduced in the United States’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), which implemented a temporary policy earlier this year.

Under the NWSL rule, when a goalkeeper is injured, players from both teams must remain in their positions or assemble at the center circle. They are not allowed to approach the bench.

Collina said the widespread practice of players leaving the field to receive instructions undermines the integrity and flow of the game. FIFA will adopt a comparable approach at the World Cup.

“Goalkeepers have the right to be injured, but players do not have the right to leave the field to take an informal break with their coaches,” he said.

However, the new rule is not expected to fully eliminate time-wasting tactics, as teams may still find other ways to interrupt the opponent’s momentum even without approaching the bench.

Collina stressed that all federations and participating teams must understand that such practices will no longer be tolerated during the tournament.

Match officials will be responsible for enforcing the rule. However, Collina clarified that players who attempt to approach the technical area during a goalkeeper injury will not face yellow cards or formal disciplinary sanctions.

“It is unusual to see only the referee, medical staff, and the goalkeeper on the field while all other players leave. That is not good for the game,” he said.

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