Conmebol Adopts IFAB’s 2026 World Cup Rules

The 2026 FIFA World Cup comes to a close next Sunday, July 19, in New Jersey, where Spain will face either Argentina or England at MetLife Stadium. The match kicks off at 4 p.m. Brasília time, marking the tournament’s final showdown. This decisive game follows a busy week of international action, giving fans a taste of high‑stakes football before the continental club season begins.

Just a couple of days later, South American competition shifts to the Copa Sudamericana, with the round‑of‑16 playoffs slated for July 21‑23. Grêmio, RB Bragantino, Santos and Vasco are among the clubs entering this phase of the tournament. The rapid schedule underscores how tightly packed the global football calendar has become.

On Tuesday, July 14, Conmebol officially embraced the rule package that the International Football Association Board (IFAB) ratified back in February. Those guidelines were first tested at the 2026 World Cup and are now set to influence a wide range of competitions across the continent. The changes aim to keep matches fluid and curb any deliberate delays that can frustrate players and supporters alike.

New Rules Take Effect Across South America

• Throw‑ins and goal kicks – Referees now monitor a visible five‑second countdown once a delay is spotted. If the time expires, the restart passes to the opponent, turning a goal kick into a corner when appropriate.
• Substitutions – After the fourth official signals a change, the outgoing player must leave the field within ten seconds. A delayed exit forces the incoming player to wait one minute, leaving the team short‑handed during that interval.
• Medical treatment – Players who receive on‑field treatment now must stay off the pitch for at least sixty seconds before returning. Their side plays with one fewer player while the cooling‑down period is observed.
• Expanded VAR – The video assistant referee can now correct mistaken corner awards or erroneous second‑yellow‑card decisions without the on‑field official consulting the monitor.

Despite the sweeping adoption, Conmebol deliberately excluded the so‑called “Vini Jr Law.” This rule would hand a straight red card to anyone covering their mouth during an on‑field argument. The controversy gained traction after a Champions League clash where Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior was involved in a heated exchange with Benfica’s Prestianni, who was accused of racist remarks. Even UEFA has decided not to implement the measure in its competitions. The decision leaves a notable gap in disciplinary standards for verbal altercations.

The omission also highlights a broader debate about player expression versus on‑field discipline. While the IFAB’s focus remains on flow and time management, the Vini Jr Law was intended to curb what some see as disrespectful behavior. By not adopting it, South American federations signal a preference for the existing framework.

What About Brazil’s Clubs?

Last Monday, July 13, the CBF sent a formal letter to Série A and Série B clubs announcing an August meeting to review the impact of the new regulations. The governing body wants to hash out feasibility, timelines and procedural steps before potentially rolling the rules out in the Brasileirão. Clubs are being asked to consider how the substitution and medical‑time adjustments will affect squad management and budgeting.

The Vini Jr Law will be on the agenda of the CBF gathering, ensuring that Brazilian clubs are aware of the discussion even if it remains unused locally. Meanwhile, referees across the country are already undergoing training sessions to prepare for the forthcoming changes. This proactive approach suggests that, should the league move forward, the transition will be smoother for players and officials alike.

Looking ahead, the new regulations could reshape tactical decisions across South America. The emphasis on quicker restarts and stricter substitution windows may force managers to plan their bench usage more carefully. If the Brasileirão adopts the same standards as Conmebol’s international tournaments, fans can expect tighter, more predictable match flow in the second half of 2026.