FIFA confirms new time-wasting crackdown for 2026 World Cup

FIFA confirmed five rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including countdown timers on throw-ins and goal kicks with possession penalties for delays.sportbible+1
Substituted players must leave the pitch within 10 seconds or their replacement will be barred from entering for one minute, per rules approved by IFAB in February.reuters+1
VAR powers expand to cover incorrect second yellow cards and wrongly awarded corners, while only team captains may approach referees for explanations.skysports+1

FIFA has confirmed a package of rule changes for the 2026 World Cup designed to crack down on time-wasting and expand the scope of video review technology, as the governing body prepares for the largest tournament in the competition's history this summer.sportbible+1

The changes, first approved by the International Football Association Board at its 140th Annual General Meeting in Hensol, Wales, on February 28, will take effect when the tournament kicks off on June 11 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.reuters+2

Countdown Timers and Faster Substitutions

Among the most notable measures is a timed substitution rule, originally devised by Major League Soccer, requiring players leaving the pitch to do so within 10 seconds of the substitution board being displayed. If a player fails to comply, the incoming substitute will not be allowed to enter until the first stoppage after one minute of play has elapsed, temporarily leaving the team a player short.sportsnet+2

Referees will also be empowered to initiate a five-second visual countdown when they judge a throw-in or goal kick is being deliberately delayed. If the ball is not in play when the countdown expires, throw-ins will be reversed to the opposing team, and delayed goal kicks will result in a corner for the opposition. Players who receive on-field medical treatment, or whose injuries cause a stoppage, must leave the pitch for one minute before returning — unless the injury was caused by a foul that drew a card.Saudi Arabia News | SAUDI NEWS+5

VAR Gets Wider Powers

The VAR protocol has been expanded to cover three new scenarios. Video officials will now be permitted to intervene when a red card results from a clearly incorrect second yellow, in cases of mistaken identity, and when a corner kick has been obviously awarded in error. Sky Sports reported that corner-kick checks will be optional rather than mandatory for competitions and must not delay the restart of play. Crucially, VAR will only review incorrectly awarded second yellows — it will not prompt referees to issue a second caution where none was given on the field.espn+3

Captains-Only Rule and What's Ahead

FIFA is also tightening discipline around referee interactions. Only team captains will be permitted to approach officials for explanations, with other players risking a yellow card for crowding the referee. Argentine journalist Gaston Edul, who reported on the confirmed changes, noted that the adjustments reflect FIFA's push for a faster, more regulated match environment ahead of what will be the first 48-team World Cup.sports.yahoo+1

Sources (25)