FIFA has announced a series of rule changes for the 2026 World Cup aimed at reducing time-wasting, including strict limits on set-pieces, substitutions, and medical stoppages. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) approved the measures in February, describing them as 'landmark changes to reduce tempo disruption'.
Under the new rules, referees will enforce a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks if they deem players are delaying the restart. If the ball is not in play by the end of the countdown, the throw-in is awarded to the opposing team, while a delayed goal kick results in a corner kick for the opposition.
Substituted players must leave the pitch within ten seconds of the substitution board being shown. Failure to do so means the replacement player must wait at least one minute before entering at the next stoppage. This rule is designed to prevent players from slowly exiting to waste time.
Players receiving on-pitch medical attention or causing a stoppage due to injury will be required to leave the field and cannot return for a minimum of one minute. This aims to discourage feigned injuries. However, no specific rule has been introduced yet to address goalkeepers faking injuries, though IFAB is experimenting with potential solutions.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. These changes are part of a broader effort to maintain the flow of the game and reduce deliberate delays.
