World football governing body FIFA has approved a set of new rules aimed at reducing delays and keeping the game moving faster ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The changes, which will be enforced from the opening match of the tournament, cover substitutions, throw-ins, goal kicks, injury treatment, and video assistant referee (VAR) reviews.
Under the new regulations, players who are being substituted must exit the field within 10 seconds. If a player takes longer, the team will temporarily have fewer players, and the replacement must wait one minute before entering.
"Substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. If they take longer, the replacement player will have to wait 1 minute before entering," the rules state.
Throw-ins will also be timed. Teams have up to five seconds to restart the game once the ball goes out of play. Failing to do so will result in possession being handed to the opposing team.
Injured players who receive treatment on the field are required to leave the pitch before play resumes and can only return after one minute. "Players who receive treatment on the pitch must leave the field and can only return after 1 minute once play restarts," FIFA explained.
The VAR system will see expanded powers, allowing officials to review decisions made by referees and linesmen if obvious errors occur during corner kicks or when issuing cards. Second yellow cards and contentious corner kick decisions are now also subject to VAR review.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19. U.S. President Donald Trump reassured FIFA that the tournament would proceed as planned, noting that the strict visa requirements were designed to protect fans and American citizens.
These rule changes are part of FIFA's ongoing effort to make matches more engaging and reduce unnecessary delays, ensuring a faster, more fluid football experience for players and fans alike.