FIFA bans tactical trick during injury treatment at 2026 World Cup

FIFA will ban the tactic where players rush to the sideline for tactical talks with coaches during goalkeeper injury treatment. Pierluigi Collina confirmed the rule change ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

The practice, seen as a loophole to circumvent time-wasting restrictions, involves entire teams leaving the field to discuss strategy while an injured goalkeeper receives treatment. Collina stated the new rule aims to enforce stricter timekeeping during stoppages.

The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico will enforce this ban. FIFA’s decision follows repeated concerns over time-wasting tactics during major tournaments.

Collina emphasized that referees will now penalize teams for delaying restart play during such incidents. The rule change underscores FIFA’s efforts to improve match flow and fairness.

Teams are expected to adjust their in-game strategies following the announcement. The ban takes effect immediately for all upcoming competitions leading into the 2026 tournament.