FULL LIST: FIFA new rules ahead of 2026 World Cup

Football's law-making body, the International Football Association Board (IFAB), has approved a comprehensive package of rule changes set to be implemented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks the most substantial update to the rules in several years, with the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico being the first major competition to feature them.

To address persistent time-wasting issues, referees will now initiate a visible 5-second countdown for both throw-ins and goal kicks. Failure to take a throw-in within this timeframe will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team. Similarly, delays in taking a goal kick will lead to a corner kick for the opposition.

Another key change is the introduction of a 10-second substitution rule. Players being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds, using the nearest boundary line. If a player delays their exit, their replacement will not be permitted to enter the game until the next stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed.

Furthermore, injured outfield players must now stay off the field for one minute after play restarts if the game was stopped for their treatment. Exceptions to this rule include injuries to goalkeepers, serious injuries, head injuries or concussions, collisions between a goalkeeper and a player, and certain penalty situations.

The powers of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) have also been expanded. VAR can now intervene in cases of a clearly incorrect second yellow card leading to a red card, mistaken identity where the wrong player receives a card, a clearly incorrect corner-kick decision if reviewed immediately, and fouls that occurred before set-piece restarts. New regulations also address player conduct, including potential red cards for mouth-covering confrontations and for players leaving the field to protest decisions. Referees may also be equipped with body cameras in certain competitions.