Sports
IFAB Approves Major Rule Changes Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has approved a number of significant amendments to the Laws of the Game, with the new regulations set to take effect ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The changes are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve the flow of matches and promote better player conduct on the field.
Goalkeepers Limited to Eight Seconds on the Ball
One of the most notable amendments concerns goalkeepers. Under the revised law, goalkeepers will be allowed to hold the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. Should they exceed this limit, the opposing team will be awarded a corner kick.
Referees will visually count down the final five seconds before enforcing the sanction. Previously, goalkeepers who held the ball for more than six seconds were penalised with an indirect free kick.
Stricter Substitution Procedures Introduced
IFAB has also moved to speed up player substitutions. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will result in the incoming player being prevented from entering until the next stoppage in play after one minute, leaving the team temporarily short-handed.
Tougher Sanctions for Delayed Restarts
The governing body has further tightened rules regarding delayed restarts. Referees will employ a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks.
Where a team fails to restart play within the allotted time, possession will be awarded to the opposition in the case of throw-ins, while delayed goal kicks will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing side.
VAR Powers Expanded
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will now have broader authority to intervene in specific situations. The expanded powers include correcting cases of mistaken identity, reviewing clearly incorrect second yellow cards that lead to dismissals, and rectifying wrongly awarded corner kicks when such errors can be corrected promptly.
Mandatory Hydration Breaks Introduced
As part of player welfare measures, mandatory hydration breaks will be implemented in each half of matches.
Additionally, teams will no longer be allowed to use injury stoppages, particularly those involving goalkeepers, as unofficial tactical timeouts. Players will be required to remain on the field instead of gathering around the technical area for instructions.
Increased Protection for Match Officials
IFAB has encouraged football competitions worldwide to adopt the “only the captain” communication model, which permits only team captains to approach and engage referees in designated situations. The measure is intended to improve communication and reduce dissent towards match officials
Sanctions for Players Covering Their Mouths During Confrontations
Players who deliberately cover their mouths while confronting referees or opponents may face disciplinary action, including the possibility of a red card.
Teams Risk Punishment for Walking Off the Pitch
Teams that leave the field in protest against refereeing decisions could also face severe consequences under the new regulations.
IFAB stated that referees may abandon matches in such circumstances, while competition organisers may impose additional sporting sanctions and financial penalties on offending clubs or national teams.
The new laws are expected to play a key role in enhancing discipline, fairness and the overall quality of football when they come into force at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In an interview on The Delay Show, Ghana Football Association President Kurt Okraku expressed strong confidence in the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
President Kurt believes that Ghana has a good team and are aiming to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“You can never rule out any football nation, Ghana inclusive,” Okraku said. “I have seen bad teams win big tournaments and good teams lose. We have a good team, and I want to win the World Cup. That is why we are doing everything possible.”
The remarks come after Ghana qualified for the expanded tournament and named its 26-man squad under coach Carlos Queiroz, despite recent friendly losses and criticism over selections such as Baba Rahman.
Ghana faces Panama,England, and Croatia, in Group L.
The Tournament is scheduled to kick off on June,11 to July, 19 2026 in USA, Mexico and Canada.
Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup: Ghana group opponent Panama beats Dominican Republic in last friendly ahead of the tournament
Ghana’s Group stage opponents at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Panama, wrapped up their home preparations with an entertaining 4-2 victory over the Dominican Republic on Tuesday night before departing for the United States.
The farewell match, played in front of a packed home crowd, gave Thomas Christiansen’s side a confidence boost ahead of their final pre-World Cup friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Panama opened the scoring inside the first 15 minutes following a well-worked move involving Cesar Yanis, Jose Fajardo and Cristian Martinez.
After Fajardo’s initial effort was blocked, the ball fell kindly to Tomas Rodriguez, who calmly slotted home to put the hosts ahead.
The Central Americans doubled their advantage before halftime when Victor Griffith’s long-range strike took a significant deflection, leaving the Dominican goalkeeper with no chance.
Christiansen made several changes after the break, but Panama maintained their attacking threat.
Mariano Diaz pulled one back for the visitors shortly after the restart with a composed finish following a diagonal run into the penalty area.
Cecilio Waterman then capitalised on a defensive mix-up between the goalkeeper and a defender to score Panama’s third goal of the evening.
The Dominican Republic responded again with a goal from Erick Japa after a defensive lapse, but Panama had the final say as Kadir Barria capped an impressive performance by converting from close range following a pass from Erick Davis.
The victory extends Panama’s positive momentum as they continue preparations for the World Cup, where they will come up against Ghana.
The Black Stars will be closely monitoring the Panamanians, who have shown attacking quality and depth in recent outings.
Panama will now travel to the United States for a final tune-up match against Bosnia and Herzegovina before beginning their World Cup campaign
The Black Stars have officially arrived in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, receiving a rousing welcome from members of the Ghanaian community and traditional leaders in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area on Thursday.
The team arrived with some contingent, consisting of 26 playing body and one extra standby goalkeeper making the squad 27, with some management committee members and The technical team lead by head coach Carlos Queiroz .
Several key members of the squad, including Thomas Partey, Iñaki Williams, Baba Rahman, Jordan Ayew, Ernest Nuamah, Antoine Semenyo, Abdul Fatawu Issahaku, Lawrence Ati-Zigi and Benjamin Asare, were greeted by enthusiastic supporters shortly after touching down.
The colourful event featured traditional drumming, dancing and cultural displays, as chiefs and elders from the Ghanaian community came together to welcome the team and offer their blessings ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The event highlighted the deep connection between the Black Stars and Ghanaians living abroad, many of whom are expected to travel across the United States to support the team during the competition.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz and his players will now continue their final preparations in the United States, where they are scheduled to face Jamaica in a friendly match before opening their World Cup campaign.
Ghana have been drawn in Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, with hopes high that the Black Stars can make a deep run at the tournament and improve on their recent World Cup performances.
“We want to win the World Cup – GFA Boss Kurt E.S Okraku
2026 FIFA World Cup: Ghana group opponent Panama beats Dominican Republic in last friendly ahead of the tournament
2026 FIFA World Cup: Ghana arrived in America ahead of the tournament
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