Football fans can expect a significantly different experience at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a series of new laws aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving officiating standards and keeping matches flowing more smoothly.
The tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will also be the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, making it the biggest edition in FIFA history.
FIFA’s Head of Refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, confirmed that the new regulations will be enforced throughout the competition as football’s governing bodies seek to tackle gamesmanship and enhance decision-making on the pitch.
Several of the changes focus on speeding up restarts, increasing accountability for players and expanding the powers of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
Here are the 10 key rule changes set to be introduced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
1. Five-Second Throw-In Countdown
Players will no longer be allowed to delay throw-ins unnecessarily. Referees can now begin a visible five-second countdown, and if the player fails to restart play before time expires, possession will be awarded to the opposing team.
2. Five-Second Goal-Kick Countdown
Teams attempting to waste time during goal-kicks could face immediate punishment. Should the countdown expire before the kick is taken, the opposition may be awarded a corner kick.
3. Time-Limited Substitutions
Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds using the nearest exit point.
Failure to comply could result in the incoming substitute being prevented from entering the pitch until the next stoppage after at least one minute of play.
4. One-Minute Off-Field Medical Treatment Rule
Players who receive treatment on the pitch will be required to remain off the field for 60 seconds after play resumes.
Exceptions will apply to goalkeepers and certain serious injury situations.
5. VAR Review for Second Yellow Card Red Cards
VAR officials will now have the authority to review cases where a player is sent off following a second yellow card if there is a clear and obvious error.
6. VAR Intervention for Mistaken Identity
Video Assistant Referees can also step in when a referee mistakenly cautions or dismisses the wrong player during an incident.
7. VAR Review for Incorrect Corner Decisions
Competitions may permit VAR reviews when referees incorrectly award corner kicks, provided the review can be completed quickly without disrupting the flow of the game.
8. VAR Review of Attacking Fouls Before Set-Pieces
Officials can now review attacking fouls that occur before a corner kick or free-kick if the resulting set-piece leads directly to a goal, penalty decision or significant disciplinary action.
9. Red Card for Covering the Mouth During Confrontations
As part of FIFA’s efforts to strengthen anti-discrimination measures and promote transparency, players who deliberately cover their mouths while engaging in confrontations with opponents may face a straight red card.
10. Restrictions on Goalkeeper Tactical Timeouts
Teams will no longer be permitted to use goalkeeper injury stoppages as opportunities for tactical team talks.
The measure is designed to prevent unnecessary delays and curb time-wasting tactics that have increasingly become part of the modern game.
FIFA Targets Faster, Fairer Football
The new laws reflect FIFA’s determination to improve the pace of matches while ensuring greater fairness and accuracy in officiating.
Excessive stoppage time became a major talking point during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, and football authorities believe these changes will help create a more fluid and entertaining spectacle when the world’s biggest football tournament kicks off in 2026.
With expanded VAR powers, stricter disciplinary measures and tougher sanctions against time-wasting, players and coaches will have to adapt quickly as football enters a new era on the global stage.