New Rules Introduced for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
2026年FIFA世界盃推出新規則
Introduction
FIFA and the International Football Association Board (Ifab) have announced several rule changes. These updates are designed to reduce time-wasting and improve the accuracy of refereeing during the next World Cup.
FIFA 與國際足球協會理事會 (Ifab) 已宣布幾項規則變更。這些更新旨在減少拖延時間，並在下次世界盃期間提高裁判的準確性。
Main Body
The main goal of these changes is to stop teams from wasting time. For example, 'tactical timeouts' are now banned. This is when players gather near the coach while a goalkeeper is being treated. Now, players must stay in their positions or move to the center circle. Furthermore, there are new time limits: five seconds for throw-ins and goal kicks, and ten seconds for substitutions. If a substitution takes too long, the new player may have to wait one minute to enter, leaving the team with only ten players. Additionally, players receiving medical help must stay off the pitch for sixty seconds, unless they are goalkeepers.
這些變更的主要目標是防止球隊拖延時間。例如，現在禁止「戰術性暫停」。即是指當守門員接受治療時，球員聚集在教練身邊的行為。現在球員必須留在原位或移動至中圈。
There are also stricter rules regarding player behavior and technology. Referees will now give red cards to players who cover their mouths during arguments to prevent abusive language. Moreover, the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has more power. VAR can now intervene if an attacking team commits a foul before the ball is in play that leads to a goal or penalty. Pierluigi Collina, FIFA's refereeing chief, emphasized that this will stop illegal blocks. To help players deal with the faster pace and heat, three-minute water breaks will be added to each half.
此外，現在有新的時間限制：擲界球與球門球為五秒，換人則為十秒。如果換人時間過長，新球員可能必須等待一分鐘才能入場，導致球隊僅剩十名球員。另外，除非是守門員，否則接受醫療救援的球員必須離開球場六十秒。
Conclusion
The tournament will use these strict rules to ensure the game flows better and that players maintain a higher standard of behavior.
本屆賽事將採用這些嚴格規則，以確保比賽流程更順暢，且球員維持更高標準的行為。
Vocabulary Learning
⚡ The 'Connector' Upgrade
At the A2 level, you likely use and, but, and because for everything. To reach B2, you need to move away from these simple words and use Formal Transition Markers. These are the 'glue' that make your writing sound professional and academic.
🔍 Analysis from the Text
Look at how the article introduces new information without just saying "and". It uses these specific tools:
- "Furthermore..." Use this instead of also when you are adding a second, more important point.
- "Additionally..." Use this when you are adding a new fact to a list.
- "Moreover..." Use this when the second point supports the first one and makes the argument stronger.
🛠️ Practical Shift: A2 vs. B2
| A2 (Simple) | B2 (Advanced Bridge) |
|---|---|
| The rules are new and they stop time-wasting. | The rules are new; furthermore, they are designed to reduce time-wasting. |
| Players must leave the pitch and they must wait 60 seconds. | Players must leave the pitch. Additionally, they must remain off for sixty seconds. |
| Red cards are given and VAR has more power. | Red cards are now issued for misconduct. Moreover, VAR has expanded authority. |
💡 Pro-Tip for Fluency
Don't start every sentence with these words. Try placing them after the subject for a more 'natural' B2 feel:
- Standard: "Moreover, the VAR has more power."
- B2 Fluid: "The VAR, moreover, now has more power."
Why this matters: Moving from simple addition (and) to structured transition (Furthermore/Moreover) is the fastest way to change how a native speaker perceives your English level.