International football is on the brink of a significant transformation. FIFA has greenlit a new set of regulations for the 2026 World Cup, all aimed at reducing time-wasting. The objective of these changes is to accelerate gameplay and provide fans with more moments of real action on the field.
One of the most notable changes pertains to substitutions. Going forward, players coming off the field will have only 10 seconds to exit. If they exceed this time limit, the player replacing them must remain on the sidelines for one minute before entering the game, leaving their team temporarily short-handed.
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The throw-in rule will also see tighter restrictions, with players allowed only 5 seconds to resume play. Should they take longer, they will lose possession, and the throw-in will automatically be awarded to the opposing side. This change is expected to heighten intensity and reduce unnecessary stoppages at the sidelines.
Medical breaks and expanded VAR
In terms of player welfare, athletes requiring medical attention will now need to stay off the pitch for a full minute after treatment. This rule aims to curb the frequent play-acting that interrupts the flow of crucial matches.
Lastly, VAR’s scope is being expanded. The technology will now have the authority to intervene in cases of second yellow cards and decisions regarding corner kicks, as long as there is a “clear and obvious error.” Through these adjustments, FIFA is advocating for a more seamless, equitable, and dynamic World Cup experience in 2026.
This article has been translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.