FIFA has banned a new tactical practice ahead of the 2026 World Cup
The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has introduced restrictions on the use of tactical instructions during goalkeeper injuries. The decision was made ahead of the 2026 World Cup, banning a practice that was previously common in basketball and hockey.
Field players will be prohibited from gathering near the technical area to receive coaching instructions while injured goalkeepers are being treated. In this way, FIFA is combating “timeouts,” when coaches take advantage of the situation to make tactical changes. The decision was confirmed by the organization’s Referees Committee Chairman, Pierluigi Collina.
In recent years, teams have begun to abuse this opportunity. Debates have erupted in the soccer world regarding the need to restrict this practice. Some experts have even accused a number of teams of faking goalkeeper injuries in order to hold discussions with their coaching staffs.
The final stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This tournament will be the first in history to feature 48 national teams. Between 1998 and 2022, the format involved 32 teams.
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