2026 World Cup: FIFA Introduces Major Rule Changes to Reduce Time-Wasting and Improve Fair Play
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, football’s law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has approved a wide range of new rules that will be used at the tournament for the first time.
The competition, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will see several changes aimed at speeding up the game, reducing time-wasting and improving officiating.
One of the major changes is the introduction of a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Players who fail to restart play within the allotted time risk losing possession, while teams that delay goal-kicks could concede a corner kick.
A new substitution rule will also come into effect. Players being replaced must leave the pitch within 10 seconds using the nearest exit point. If they take longer, their replacement will be forced to wait before entering, leaving the team temporarily with one player fewer.
To discourage players from staying on the ground unnecessarily, injured outfield players who receive treatment during a stoppage must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes. However, exceptions will apply for serious injuries, head injuries, goalkeepers and certain other situations.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has also been given additional responsibilities. Officials can now review mistaken second yellow cards that result in red cards, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks and fouls that occur before a set-piece is taken.
Another notable change concerns player behaviour. Football authorities have stated that players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents may face a red card. The rule is intended to help tackle discriminatory abuse and improve transparency on the pitch.
Players who walk off the field to protest refereeing decisions could also be sent off, while teams that abandon matches may forfeit the game. Team officials who encourage such actions could face disciplinary measures.
The new regulations also allow competitions to use referee body cameras, with organisers controlling how the footage is used.
IFAB has further relaxed some equipment rules, allowing players to wear certain items previously banned, provided they are safe, securely fastened and properly covered.
Other changes include a clarification on dropped-ball situations, ensuring possession is awarded to the team most likely to have had the ball before play was stopped.
The laws have also been updated regarding accidental double touches during penalty kicks, following previous guidance issued by IFAB.
In another adjustment, players who deny an obvious goalscoring opportunity but concede a goal after the referee plays advantage will no longer receive a caution.
Senior international friendly matches will now allow up to eight substitutes, while teams may agree to increase that number to 11.
To help players cope with hot conditions during the World Cup, referees may permit a three-minute hydration break in each half, usually around the 22nd minute.
In addition, the existing rule limiting goalkeepers to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds will remain in force. Referees will visibly count down the final five seconds, and any violation will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposition.
The new measures are expected to make matches flow more smoothly and strengthen fairness during the biggest football tournament in the world.
