03/06/2026
FIFA has introduced several new rules for the 2026 World Cup aimed at reducing time-wasting and improving the flow of the game.
Throw-ins and goal-kicks will now have a five-second countdown. If a player deliberately delays the restart, the throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team. Similarly, delaying a goal-kick can result in a corner being given to the opponents.
Substitutions will also be time-limited. A player who is substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds at the nearest point. Failure to do so will prevent the substitute from entering for at least one minute, forcing the team to play with only 10 players during that time.
Players receiving off-field medical treatment must remain off the pitch for 60 seconds before they can return, though exceptions apply for goalkeepers, serious injuries, or when the opponent has been booked or sent off.
In a strict new measure against dissent, any player who covers their mouth during a confrontational situation with an opponent may receive a direct red card.
Additionally, VAR will be allowed to quickly review whether a corner kick was correctly awarded, but this must happen before the restart. Players sent off for two yellow cards can also have the second booking reviewed by VAR.
These changes are designed to make matches faster, fairer, and more entertaining.
