New Rules Tested at 2026 World Cup

Ball in play longer: FIFA experimented with an arsenal of rules during the World Cup to combat unsporting behavior and time delays.

The 2026 World Cup served as a laboratory for the International Board's new directives. The 'minuto fora' (temporary exclusion after medical attention) was applied 36 times, forcing players to think twice before going down. The most controversial rule? Expulsion for covering your mouth during discussion: Miguel Almirón (Paraguay) and Piero Hincapié (Ecuador) were victims of it. Reversions of throw-ins for excessive delays (7 cases), yellow cards for simulation (2 times), and other measures aimed to increase effective playing time.