New FIFA Regulations for 2026 World Cup

Footballers participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup may face an immediate straight red card if they cover their mouths while engaging in heated exchanges with opponents. This regulation is part of a broader effort to enhance on-field transparency and discipline.

During a special meeting held last Tuesday in Vancouver, Canada, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved two significant rule changes proposed by FIFA. In addition to the ban on covering one’s mouth during confrontations, the new regulations dictate that any player who leaves the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision may also be dismissed with a red card.

Origins of the Regulations

The decision to penalise players for leaving the pitch stems from an incident during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal on 18 January. Following a penalty award to Morocco, the Senegalese squad staged a protest by retreating to the dressing room. Although they eventually returned—with goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saving Brahim Díaz’s “Panenka” penalty—the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later stripped Senegal of their 1-0 victory, awarding a 3-0 walkover win to Morocco.

The regulation regarding mouth-covering gained momentum following a Champions League play-off first-leg match in February. Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was observed covering his face with his jersey while speaking to Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. Subsequent UEFA investigations found the Argentine footballer guilty of homophobic remarks, resulting in a six-match ban (three of which were suspended).

Enforcement and Official Stance

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has championed these changes, citing a need for a “preventative effect” against racism and verbal abuse. Infantino asserted that if a player has nothing to hide, there should be no requirement to obscure their speech. He stated:

“If a player covers their mouth to say something and the result is racist, they must be sent off. It must be assumed they said something they should not have said; otherwise, there would be no need to cover the mouth. If you have nothing to hide, do not cover your mouth. It is very simple.”

While IFAB noted that these rules could be used on an experimental basis, FIFA has confirmed their full implementation for the 2026 World Cup, which begins on 11 June across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The ultimate authority to issue these red cards rests with the match referee, who will evaluate the specific context of the situation. Furthermore, these rules extend to team officials; any coach or staff member found inciting players to abandon the pitch will face severe disciplinary action. Under these guidelines, any match abandoned due to such protests will result in an automatic defeat for the offending side.