FIFA Bans 'Tactical Huddles' and Expands VAR Powers Ahead of 2026 World Cup

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America just days away from kickoff, FIFA has announced major rule crackdowns aimed at stopping teams from exploiting injury breaks and set-piece setups.

In a press conference held today, FIFA referees chief Pierluigi Collina revealed that players will be strictly prohibited from leaving the field of play to hold "tactical huddles" with their coaches while a goalkeeper is receiving medical treatment.

The End of the "Fake Injury" Timeout

The rule change directly targets a growing trend in modern football where goalkeepers seemingly feign injuries to allow their managers to give mid-game tactical instructions. A high-profile example occurred during the Premier League season when Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma received treatment, allowing manager Pep Guardiola to use the stoppage as an impromptu timeout against Leeds United.

"We had a workshop with all the coaches of all the 48 teams and we told them that referees will be proactive. The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field of play to have a sort of timeout with their respective coaches." — Pierluigi Collina

While officials will not issue yellow cards to players who attempt to speak to their coach, referees are instructed to keep players on the pitch and break up any sideline meetings.

"It’s quite weird that there really is only the referee, the physio, and the goalkeeper on the field of play. All the other players leave the pitch, and it is not good," Collina added.

Expanded VAR Powers on Set-Pieces

In addition to the sideline ban, FIFA is introducing expanded powers for the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) to intervene on fouls committed before the ball is officially in play during set-pieces.

This adjustment addresses instances where attackers illegally block defenders before a corner or free-kick is taken, creating unfair advantages. Collina highlighted a recent friendly between England and Uruguay, where an illegal block by an England midfielder allowed his teammate to score a goal from a corner kick setup.

"We think this is very unfair, that the goal is given when the defender is prevented from being able to defend. We are very confident to receive a clarification from the IFAB before the World Cup, saying that the VAR can intervene just before the ball is in play. We are convinced that nobody can object." — Pierluigi Collina

As all 48 teams finalize their preparations for the June 11 opener, these strict officiating directives promise to drastically change the tactical landscape and sideline behavior during the biggest tournament in football history.