World Cup VAR Expands to Catch More Errors, Cut Time-Wasting

Soccer fans have long debated whether video review helps or hurts the beautiful game, but football's lawmakers just doubled down with changes designed to make the 2026 World Cup the fairest yet.

The International Football Association Board approved expanding VAR technology to review second yellow cards and incorrectly awarded corner kicks. Until now, referees could only use video review for straight red cards, leaving plenty of game-changing mistakes unchecked.

The corner kick reviews come with an important catch. Officials will only reverse bad calls if they can review footage immediately without delaying play, keeping the game's natural rhythm intact.

But the bigger news might be the new weapons against time-wasting, a frustration that's plagued soccer for decades. Players will now face countdown timers for goal kicks, throw-ins, and substitutions.

Take too long and the consequence is immediate. A delayed goal kick becomes a corner for the opponent. A slow throw-in switches to the other team. Players have just 10 seconds to leave the field when substituted, or their replacement must wait on the sideline for at least another minute of game time.

Injured players who receive treatment must now leave the field for one full minute of play before returning. This change aims to reduce the conveniently timed injuries that often appear when teams are protecting leads.

The Bright Side

These changes address two of soccer's most persistent complaints in one sweep. Fans have watched too many crucial matches decided by missed calls that VAR could have caught, while time-wasting tactics have drained excitement from final minutes that should be the most thrilling.

The timing couldn't be better. The 2026 World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will be the biggest yet with 48 teams competing. More games mean more opportunities for controversy, making clearer rules and better technology essential for maintaining the tournament's integrity.

The International Football Association Board also announced they'll develop policies for two emerging issues. They're examining how to handle players who walk off the field to protest referee decisions, like Senegal did during the Africa Cup of Nations final. They're also addressing players covering their mouths during confrontations, a concerning trend linked to racist abuse incidents.

All changes officially become law on July 1, just days before the World Cup kicks off on June 11.

Soccer's governing bodies face constant criticism for being slow to change, but these updates show they're listening to what players and fans have been saying for years: protect the game's flow while making sure the right calls get made.