EXPLAINER: 2026 FIFA World Cup New Rules and Updates

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest World Cup ever, hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and it will feature 48 teams for the first time.

Recently, several new football law changes have been discussed by IFAB (the body that writes football rules).

Some of these are being tested in competitions and may appear in future tournaments, including the 2026 World Cup. However, not all of them are fully confirmed yet.

1. Faster Throw-ins (5-Second Rule)

Players may be given a short time limit to take a throw-in.

If a player delays too long (around 5 seconds)

The referee may give the throw-in to the opposing team

This rule is meant to stop time-wasting and make the game faster.

2. Goal Kick Time Limit

Goalkeepers may also face a time limit when taking goal kicks.

If they waste too much time, the opposing team may be rewarded (in some reports, a corner kick)

This rule aims to reduce slow play near the goal.

3. World Cup New Rule: Quick Substitutions (10-Second Rule)

Substituted players must leave the pitch quickly.

They may have about 10 seconds to exit the field

If they delay, the substitution may be cancelled or punished

The team could temporarily continue with fewer players

Designed to avoid time-wasting during substitutions.

4. Medical Treatment Off the Pitch (60 Seconds Rule)

Players who receive medical treatment may need to leave the field for 1 minute.

This stops teams from faking injuries to waste time

Goalkeepers and serious injuries may be exceptions

It also depends on referee decisions

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5. Covering Mouth During Arguments

Players may be punished for covering their mouths while speaking to opponents or referees.

This is to prevent hidden abuse or insults

In serious cases, it could lead to a red card

6. VAR Checking Corners

Video Assistant Referee (VAR) may be allowed to check corner decisions.

To confirm if a corner was correct or not

Must be done quickly before the game restarts

Helps reduce refereeing mistakes.

7. Second Yellow Card Reviews

VAR may review situations where a player receives a second yellow card.

This is to check if the decision was fair

But VAR will not review every yellow card individually

This rule is meant to improve fairness in red card decisions.

Other Key Facts About the 2026 World CupThe 

2026 FIFA World Cup will have:

• 48 teams instead of 32
• A new group stage format
• More matches overall (104 games expected)
• Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

VAR will continue to be used widely:

• Offside decisions
• Penalty checks
• Red card incidents

Some matches may also use faster VAR systems to reduce delays.

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Semi-Automated Offside Technology

The tournament will likely use advanced offside technology:

• Sensors in the ball
• Camera tracking of players
• Faster and more accurate offside calls

Hydration Breaks

In hot weather, referees may stop the game briefly:

• To protect player health, especially in midday matches

Why These Changes Matter

Football authorities want:

• Faster matches
• Less time-wasting
• More fair decisions
• Better use of technology

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FIFA World Cup Trophy. PHOTO/FIFA