Football supporters will witness several major changes to the game during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved a series of new regulations designed to reduce time-wasting, enhance officiating, and improve the flow of matches.
The tournament, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will also mark the first World Cup featuring 48 participating nations. FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina, confirmed that the updated laws will be implemented throughout the competition.
One of the most notable adjustments is the introduction of a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins. Players who fail to restart play before the countdown ends could see possession awarded to the opposing team. Similar sanctions will apply to goal-kicks, with teams risking the concession of a corner kick if officials determine they are deliberately wasting time.
Substitution procedures have also been tightened. Players being replaced must leave the pitch within 10 seconds using the nearest exit point. If they fail to comply, their substitute will be forced to wait until the next stoppage after one minute of play before entering the field.
To address lengthy medical interruptions, players treated on the pitch will now have to remain off the field for 60 seconds after play resumes, although goalkeepers and specific injury cases will be exempt.
The powers of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have been expanded. Officials can now review dismissals resulting from clearly mistaken second yellow cards and intervene when the wrong player is shown a yellow or red card.
Tournament organizers may also allow VAR reviews for obvious errors involving corner-kick decisions, provided the review is immediate and does not disrupt the rhythm of the match. Additionally, VAR can step in when an attacking foul occurs before a corner or free-kick that eventually leads to a goal, penalty, or major disciplinary action.
Football authorities have also introduced tougher disciplinary measures, including a straight red card for players who cover their mouths while engaging in confrontational exchanges, as part of new anti-discrimination efforts.
FIFA has further targeted what it calls “tactical timeouts” by goalkeepers. Under the new rules, outfield players will no longer be allowed to leave the pitch for team discussions when a goalkeeper goes down injured, reinforcing the governing body’s push to eliminate unnecessary delays and keep matches moving.