Rule change could allow VAR rule on corners in time for 2026 World Cup

Ifab may loosen approach to trials of new rules

SEEING THE LIGHT: Elliot Anderson of Nottingham Forest shields his eyes from the sun as he takes a corner kick during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Brighton & Hove Albion at City Ground on November 30, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Football’s lawmakers are exploring the possibility of allowing tournaments to run their own trials of new rules, which could lead to VAR being used to adjudicate on corner kicks at next summer’s World Cup.

Under the change the International Football Association Board (Ifab) would allow more short-term trials as an alternative to the system whereby major tournaments largely introduce measures only after they have been trialled, usually in minor leagues or tournaments.