The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed a number of new regulations set to take effect at the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The updated rules are aimed at improving game flow, reducing time-wasting, and strengthening officiating standards across matches.
One of the key changes focuses on substitutions. Players leaving the pitch must do so within 10 seconds. If they exceed this time, their replacement will be forced to wait an additional minute before entering, leaving their team temporarily a player short.
FIFA has also introduced stricter timing for restarts. Throw-ins and goal kicks must now be taken within five seconds, with any delay resulting in the opposing team being awarded possession.
In terms of player welfare, new medical guidelines require that any player treated on the field must leave the pitch and stay off for at least one minute before returning, unless the injury was caused by a foul that led to a booking.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has been expanded as well. Officials will now be able to review second yellow card incidents that result in a red card, along with wrongly awarded corner kicks.
Additionally, FIFA has tightened rules around interactions with match officials. Only team captains will be permitted to approach referees for explanations, while other players who confront or crowd the referee risk receiving a yellow card.
