2026 World Cup: Fifa announces five major rule changes

Fifa has introduced five major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup in North America to combat time-wasting and improve the flow of the game.

The expanded 48-nation tournament will take place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

World football’s governing body has acted after observing unwanted habits dominate recent domestic seasons.

Time-wasting was a major talking point at recent meetings, prompting stringent new measures.

Strict time limits on substitutions and throw-ins

The most eye-catching regulation involves a strict 10-second limit for departing players during substitutions.

If a replaced individual takes longer to leave the field, their replacement must wait one minute before entering.

This temporary penalty will leave the offending team operating with a one-player disadvantage.

Throw-ins will also be strictly governed by a new five-second timer from the moment the ball goes out of bounds.

Exceeding this touchline limit will result in an immediate turnover of possession to the opposition.

Medical treatment for injuries must now be administered off the pitch.

Affected players must wait one minute before returning to the action, unless the injury resulted from a carded foul.

Furthermore, video assistant referees will see their jurisdiction expanded for the upcoming showpiece event.

Officials in the video booth will now possess the authority to review second yellow cards.

The successful regulation restricting referee interactions to team captains will also feature prominently.

Any other squad member who surrounds the match official risks receiving an instant booking.

These new directives aim to eliminate the dark arts from international competition entirely.