The world football governing body, FIFA, has announced a raft of new rules that will be implemented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, introducing significant changes aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving officiating, and enhancing player discipline.
The new regulations, approved by the International Football Association Board, will make the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico the first major competition to operate under the revised laws of the game.
Among the changes is the introduction of a visible countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks. Referees will begin a five-second count, and teams that fail to restart play within the allotted time risk losing possession or conceding a corner kick.
Substitutions have also been tightened. Players being replaced must leave the field within 10 seconds and use the nearest boundary line. Delays could prevent the substitute from entering until the next stoppage after one minute of play.
Under the revised laws, injured outfield players who receive treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for at least one minute after play resumes, except in cases involving goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries, goalkeeper-player collisions and certain penalty incidents.
The use of the Video Assistant Referee has also been expanded. VAR will now be able to review clearly incorrect second yellow cards leading to dismissals, cases of mistaken identity, wrongly awarded corner kicks and fouls committed before set-piece restarts.
In a move aimed at curbing misconduct, players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents may face red cards. The measure is intended to discourage discriminatory abuse and improve transparency on the pitch.
The new rules also empower referees to send off players who leave the field in protest against decisions, while teams that abandon matches in protest risk forfeiting games. Officials who encourage such actions could also face sanctions.
FIFA has additionally approved the use of referee body cameras during competitions, with tournament organisers retaining control over how the footage is used.
Other changes include updated equipment regulations allowing previously prohibited items if they are safe, properly covered and securely fastened, as well as clarification on dropped-ball situations and accidental double touches during penalty kicks.
The governing body also confirmed that senior international friendly matches can now accommodate up to eight substitutes, with teams allowed to increase the number to 11 by mutual agreement.
Given the expected weather conditions at the expanded 2026 World Cup, referees will also be permitted to allow three-minute hydration breaks during each half, usually around the 22nd minute.
FIFA further retained the goalkeeper time-wasting rule already introduced before the tournament, which limits goalkeepers to holding the ball for a maximum of eight seconds. Failure to release the ball within the timeframe will result in a corner kick being awarded to the opposing team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, the first to feature 48 teams, will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
