What NEW rules has FIFA approved for 2026 World Cup?

These rules will quell time wasting during the World Cup games.

FIFA approves significant rule modifications to expedite games and lessen disputes. Following the IFAB’s annual conference, FIFA approved significant modifications to the Laws of the Game with the goal of enhancing fairness and expediting games.

Following its 140th annual conference in Wales, FIFA confirmed a number of significant rule amendments through the International Football Association Board (IFAB).

The rulings are a part of a larger initiative to lessen controversy around refereeing, apply the law more consistently throughout competitions, and maintain games without needless halts.

Four new rules were approved by FIFA ahead of the 2026 World Cup

4. Players to have 10 seconds to leave the pitch during substitution

If they are winning by a narrow margin, players purposefully waste time during substitutions in order to kill the time. This is essentially viewed as a strategy that can upset the opposition and lead to confrontation on the field. But ahead of the World Cup, FIFA has introduced new regulations.

The new regulations further tighten restrictions on injury delays and substitutions: players who are substituted must exit the field within 10 seconds. If they take longer, the replacement must wait one minute to enter.

3. Throw-ins and goal kicks will now have a 5-second countdown at the World Cup

Now players won’t be allowed to take more time during throw-ins. FIFA has now provided a specific time for the players during the throw-ins. If they take more than that time, a delayed throw-in will be awarded to the opposing team.

FIFA are now taking strict action against players who deliberately waste time during a throw-in. At the competition, it will have its consequences now.

2. Players must receive treatment off the pitch

According to FIFA’s proposals, players who get medical attention for an injury will have to miss at least one minute of action. A player had to leave the pitch for one minute as part of FIFA’s own trials at the Arab Cup in December.

According to Pierluigi Collina, chairman of FIFA referees, the one-minute rule is meant to cut down on time wastage and enhance game flow.

1. VAR to be involved in second yellow cards & corner decisions

VAR was only allowed to examine direct red cards during the games when the referees mistakenly show red card to a player, and VAR used to intervene to make the judgment right. However, this time, VAR will also monitor second yellow cards and corner decisions.

More power will be granted to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during World Cup. Referees are permitted to examine unmistakable errors involving a second yellow card, and even inaccurate corner kick rulings. This is as long as the review takes place right away and doesn’t stop play.

IFAB emphasised that VAR involvement needs to be swift and constrained.

🚨 𝐍𝐄𝐖 𝐑𝐔𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐖𝐂 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔FIFA have approved new rule changes to speed up the game and stop time-wasting ⏱️Here are some of the biggest updates: pic.twitter.com/feaZ3QkIVQ

— 433 (@433) March 13, 2026

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