The FIFA World Cup has often introduced new rules and technologies over the years. Yellow and red cards were first used during the 1970 World Cup, while VAR made its debut in the 2018 edition. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar was notable for its unusually long added time. So what new changes can fans expect at the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico?

Mandatory Hydration Breaks

Short cooling or hydration breaks during matches in extremely hot weather have become common in football. However, they were not previously mandatory at the World Cup. FIFA has now changed that rule.

Starting from the next World Cup, referees will enforce a three minute hydration break during each half of every match, regardless of the weather conditions or whether the game is being played in an indoor stadium.

According to FIFA, referees will no longer need to assess temperature or climate conditions before allowing breaks. The rule will apply in every match. FIFA says the decision was introduced with player welfare in mind.

The change effectively divides each football match into four segments and is also expected to benefit television broadcasters by creating additional advertising windows.

VAR Expanded to Corners and Second Yellow Cards

Until now, VAR has mainly been used for serious errors involving goals, penalties, direct red cards, and mistaken player identity.

Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), football’s law making body, expanded the scope of VAR. From now on, VAR will also be used for corner kick decisions and incidents involving second yellow cards.

This means referees can review situations where a player may be sent off after receiving a second yellow card. VAR can also intervene in wrongly awarded corner kicks.

Officials say these reviews will be handled quickly to avoid unnecessary delays during matches.

Countdown Rules for Goal Kicks, Throw Ins, and Substitutions

New countdown measures will also be introduced for goal kicks, throw ins, and substitutions to prevent players from deliberately wasting time.

If players take too long during these situations, the advantage will be handed to the opposing team. A delayed goal kick could result in a corner kick for the opponents, while a slow throw in may be awarded to the other side.

The change follows the existing eight second rule for goalkeepers holding the ball. Under the new regulations, if goalkeepers waste excessive time, the opposing team may also be awarded a corner.

IFAB stated that referees will display a visible five second countdown if they believe players are intentionally delaying restarts.

Substituted players will also face stricter timing rules. Once a player’s number appears on the substitution board, they must leave the field within 10 seconds.

If the player fails to do so, they will still have to leave immediately, but their replacement will not be allowed to enter the pitch until the next stoppage in play or after at least one minute of gameplay has passed.

Similarly, players receiving treatment for injuries that stop the game will now be required to stay off the pitch for at least one minute before returning.

Covering the Mouth Could Lead to Red Cards

FIFA also announced last month that players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents may face red cards.

The rule follows an incident during a Champions League match involving Benfica player Gianluca Prestiani and Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior. Prestiani was accused of making racist remarks while covering his mouth during a conversation with Vinicius.

He was later handed a six month suspension over the allegations.

FIFA has also warned that players who walk off the field in protest during a match could be shown a red card.

During January’s Africa Cup of Nations final, a Senegal player reportedly left the pitch in protest against a penalty decision against Morocco. Although the player later returned and Senegal won the match, African football authorities later stripped Senegal of the title and declared Morocco champions, citing a violation of tournament rules.