IFAB approves four new rules to curb time-wasting at 2026 World Cup

The International Football Association Board has approved four key law changes aimed at clamping down on time-wasting ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The measures were ratified at IFAB’s 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, on February 28, 2026, following consultations with stakeholders across the game.

The reforms are designed to quicken restarts, discourage gamesmanship and improve overall match flow at elite level competitions.

The four approved changes:

• 10-second substitution rule: A substituted player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will delay the replacement’s entry by at least one minute, preventing deliberate slow exits.
• Mandatory one-minute medical exit: Any player who calls for on-field treatment must leave immediately once attended and remain off for one minute before rejoining. Exceptions apply for serious injuries. The aim is to stop players feigning or exaggerating injuries to run down the clock.
• Five-second restart countdown: Referees may signal a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks if they suspect time-wasting. If the restart is not taken in time, possession switches to the opposition, either as a throw-in or a corner kick.
• Expanded VAR powers: The Video Assistant Referee can now review second yellow cards, mistaken identity cases, red cards arising from incorrect cautions, and wrongly awarded corner kicks.

Further amendments are reportedly under consideration, including sanctions for players or officials who leave the pitch in protest and for players who cover their mouths while confronting opponents.