FIFA has approved four key changes to match regulations as preparations continue for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament will expand from 32 to 48 teams, and the updated rules are aimed at speeding up play and assisting referees in making more accurate decisions.

Faster Substitutions

Under the new regulations, any player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will result in their replacement being forced to wait one minute before entering the pitch. The rule is designed to prevent delays and keep the flow of the game smooth.

Quicker Throw-Ins

Players taking throw-ins will now have only five seconds to put the ball back into play. Exceeding this limit will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team. This change is intended to reduce downtime and maintain the pace of matches.

Medical Treatment Rule

If a player receives on-field medical treatment, they will not be allowed to return to the game for one minute. This measure ensures that teams cannot use injuries or stoppages to gain tactical advantages while maintaining player safety.

Expanded VAR Review

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will now review second yellow card incidents and corner-kick decisions, but only in cases of clear and obvious errors. FIFA believes this will enhance fairness and reduce controversial calls without slowing the game.

With these adjustments, FIFA aims to make matches faster, fairer, and more engaging for fans as the sport prepares for the largest World Cup in history.