New "One-Minute Rule" Applied in 2026 World Cup Match Involving Chelsea Star

During the 2026 World Cup match between Ecuador and Ivory Coast, officials implemented a recently approved regulation by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) for the first time. The French referee François Letexier, officiating his debut World Cup game, enforced the rule requiring players who cause a stoppage due to injury to remain off the field for one minute.

Moises Caicedo, the Ecuadorian midfielder who plays for Chelsea, became the first player affected by this new rule designed to speed up the pace of the game. Caicedo remained off the pitch for exactly one minute before rejoining his teammates to continue the match.

The incident occurred when Caicedo fell inside his own penalty area following a strong challenge from Ivory Coast's Wilfried Singo. Unable to get up while play continued, referee Letexier halted the game to check on Caicedo's condition.

According to the French edition of Eurosport, Caicedo appeared aware of the new regulation and quickly stood up to avoid medical intervention. However, Letexier enforced the rule strictly, requiring Caicedo to leave the field for a full minute, leaving Ecuador temporarily with ten players.

Despite protests from both Caicedo and Ecuador's Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece, the French referee maintained his strict application of the rule. Caicedo was later seen on the sidelines eager to return to play, which he did once the one-minute period expired.

Caicedo was not the only player subjected to the new rule in this match; his teammate Joel Ordóñez also had to leave the field for one minute during the 84th minute of the game.

The French newspaper L'Équipe praised referee Letexier's performance in his first World Cup match, describing his management of the game as fair and competent. Letexier was appointed to this match late after the original referee, Englishman Michael Oliver, withdrew due to a minor injury.

Letexier issued four yellow cards during the match, all deemed justified. Three were given to Ivory Coast players Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, and Gilles Dju, while the fourth was shown to Ecuador's Jackson Porozo.

The most significant outcome of the match was Ivory Coast's narrow 1-0 victory, secured by Amad Diallo's goal in the final minute of the Group E fixture.