FIFA approves new rules to speed up games ahead of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has unveiled a series of rule changes aimed at speeding up matches and limiting time-wasting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to run from June 11 to July 19.

The revisions touch on substitutions, restarts, injury procedures, and the expanded use of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Players being substituted must now leave the field within 10 seconds, or their replacement will face a one-minute delay before entering.

Throw-ins and goal kicks must be executed within five seconds, with possession awarded to the opposition if the time limit is exceeded. Players receiving on-field medical attention must temporarily exit the pitch and can only return one minute after play resumes.

VAR will now also cover incidents involving second yellow cards and clear errors on corner kick decisions, aiming to improve accuracy in key moments.

The 2026 World Cup, the 23rd edition of football’s flagship tournament, will make history in several ways. It will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with games held across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the men’s World Cup three times, while Canada will welcome the tournament for the first time. The competition will expand to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever.

The United 2026 bid secured hosting rights over Morocco at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow. The tournament returns to its traditional summer schedule after Qatar’s 2022 edition was held in November and December.

Several countries, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, are expected to make their World Cup debut. Defending champions Argentina will look to retain their 2022 title.