Throw-in countdown
Players now have five seconds to take a throw-in. Any deliberate attempt to delay the restart can result in the throw being handed to the opposition. Time-wasting from the touchline is no longer tolerated.
READ: 2026 World Cup focus – South Africa
Goal-kick countdown
The same five-second rule applies to goal-kicks. Goalkeepers who deliberately run down the clock risk conceding a corner. It is a significant change that will keep games moving in the final stages.
Time-limited substitutions
Substituted players have just 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point. Failure to comply means the incoming substitute cannot enter for at least one minute – leaving the team with 10 players in the meantime. The rule directly targets the slow walk to the touchline that has become one of football’s most predictable stalling tactics.
🚨📝 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: These are the 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗗 new rules for the 2026 World Cup!
• 𝗧𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘄-𝗶𝗻 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻 (𝗳𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘀): If a player deliberately delays the restart of play, the throw can be given to the opposition.
• 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹-𝗸𝗶𝗰𝗸… pic.twitter.com/m5d7XZEAzD
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 2, 2026
Off-field treatment
Any player treated by a physio must remain off the field for 60 seconds before returning. Exceptions apply for goalkeepers, serious injuries and situations where the opposing player is booked or sent off.
Covering mouths
Players who cover their mouths in a confrontational situation with an opponent risk being shown a red card. The rule targets those attempting to hide communications that could constitute unsporting behaviour.
VAR and corners
VAR can now be used to verify that a corner has been correctly awarded – but the check must be completed quickly and before the restart. Wrongly awarded goal-kicks are not subject to the same review.
ALSO: Your guide to 2026 FIFA World Cup Group B
Second yellow card reviews
Players sent off for two yellow cards can have the second booking reviewed by VAR. However there will be no reviews for potential second yellows that were not given on the pitch.
Photo: REUTERS/Cathal Mcnaughton
