The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved two new rules for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a meeting in Vancouver on April 28, 2026. The changes include the introduction of temporary concussion substitutes and a ban on the multi-ball system used in some leagues.
Under the new concussion protocol, teams will be allowed to make a temporary substitution for a player suspected of having a concussion, allowing medical staff to assess the player without putting the team at a numerical disadvantage. This rule aims to prioritize player safety and follows trials in various competitions.
The second rule change bans the multi-ball system, where multiple balls are placed around the pitch to speed up play. IFAB determined that the system can lead to unfair advantages and disrupt the flow of the game. Instead, the traditional single-ball system will be used, with ball boys and girls retrieving the ball.
These decisions were made during IFAB's annual general meeting, which also discussed other potential changes, such as sin-bins for dissent and a limit on goalkeeper possession time. However, only the concussion substitute and multi-ball ban were confirmed for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
