IFAB Considers Abolishing Penalty Rebounds Before 2026 World Cup

Football's lawmakers are considering a major rule change that would abolish penalty rebounds, making penalties single-shot affairs: if the initial kick is missed or saved, play would restart with a goal kick and attackers would no longer get a second chance to score. The proposal, which is gaining support among senior FIFA and IFAB officials, is intended to address the perceived unfair advantage attackers have and to reduce chaos and encroachment during penalties. Legendary referee Pierluigi Collina and others argue that since 75% of penalties are already scored, rebounds further tip the balance unfairly in favor of attackers. Iconic moments like Xabi Alonso’s 2005 Champions League rebound goal and Harry Kane’s Euro 2020 follow-up would not be possible under this new rule. Additionally, other changes under discussion include expanding VAR’s role to cover second yellow cards and contentious corner decisions. These reforms could be implemented ahead of the 2026 World Cup, marking a significant evolution in the sport’s historic rules.