2026 World Cup: FIFA approves new rules to make games faster

FIFA has confirmed a set of rule changes aimed at accelerating match play and curbing time-wasting, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

The updates cover substitutions, restarts, injury protocols, and expanded Video Assistant Referee (VAR) powers.

Substituted players must now exit the field within 10 seconds; delays will force their replacement to wait one minute before entering.

Throw-ins and goal kicks must be taken within five seconds, with possession awarded to the opposition if the limit is exceeded. Players receiving on-field medical treatment must leave the pitch and can only return one minute after play resumes.

These measures are designed to keep the tempo high and reduce unnecessary stoppages.

VAR will see expanded use, allowing officials to review incidents involving second yellow cards and corner kick decisions where clear errors are evident. The change is intended to enhance decision-making in key moments.

The 2026 World Cup, the 23rd edition of the tournament, will introduce several historic changes. For the first time, it will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with matches spread across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

Mexico will become the first country to host or co-host the men’s World Cup three times, while Canada will host the tournament for the first time. The competition will also expand from 32 to 48 teams, marking the largest World Cup in history.

The United 2026 bid won the hosting rights over Morocco at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow. The tournament will return to the traditional summer schedule after Qatar’s 2022 edition was held in November and December.

Several nations, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, are expected to make their World Cup debut. Defending champions Argentina will aim to retain their 2022 title.

Meanwhile, Ghana will be making its fifth World Cup appearance, starting its Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by a match against England on June 23, and concluding with Croatia on June 27.