July 1, 2026 will mark the beginning of important changes to the Laws of the Game in soccer, following the annual Assembly of the IFAB (International Football Association Board), the body in charge of approving and modifying the official regulations. The updates will apply for the 2026-2027 season in professional competitions and tournaments endorsed by FIFA.
For the U.S. Hispanic community – which closely follows MLS, Liga MX, Champions League and international competitions – these adjustments will directly impact the dynamics of matches, the use of VAR and time management.
Changes to avoid wasting time
Among the proposals for new 2026 soccer rules that will receive formal approval are measures to speed up the resumption of play.
A visible countdown is being considered for throw-ins and corner kicks when there are excessive delays.
This would complement the current rule that limits the time goalkeepers can hold the ball before putting it into play to eight seconds.
It is also planned to limit the time a substituted player can take to leave the field to ten seconds.
These measures seek to reduce interruptions and increase effective playing time.
Another proposal under evaluation is to force players treated for injury to remain temporarily off the field after receiving medical assistance.
Although this measure could be tested first in minor tournaments before being applied globally.
VAR: more reviews and less controversy
One of the most relevant changes within the new 2026 soccer rules affects the VAR (Video Assistant Referee).
It can currently intervene in four scenarios: goal, penalty, direct red card and mistaken identity.
The novelty will be to allow the review of second yellow cards when there is a clear error.
As well as correcting mistakes in the identification of the sanctioned player.
In addition, the use of refereeing technology will continue to be evaluated, including body cameras on referees, a tool already used in recent tournaments organized by FIFA.
The updates will apply for the 2026-2027 season
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New interpretation of the “double tap” in penalties
The modification of Rules 10 and 14 on the penalty kick will be ratified.
If a player hits the ball unintentionally with both feet or the ball touches the supporting foot and enters the goal, the penalty shall be retaken.
Also, if it does not go in, an indirect free kick will be awarded or recorded as missed in shootouts.
If the double touch is voluntary, the kick will be invalidated and an indirect free kick will be awarded or it will be marked as a penalty kick failure.
Other points under discussion
Possible adjustments to the DOGSO rule (obvious goalscoring opportunity), the exclusive role of the captain to talk to the referee, the use of semi-automatic offside technology (SAOT) and the number of substitutions in national team friendlies will be analyzed.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
