FIFA has announced eight new football regulations that will be implemented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at improving match flow, increasing playing time, strengthening discipline, and enhancing officiating standards.
The new rules were outlined by FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina ahead of the tournament scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
According to FIFA, the changes are designed to curb time-wasting, address discriminatory behaviour, improve player safety, and ensure a better experience for players, referees, and fans.
One of the most notable adjustments targets on-field communication during heated exchanges. Players who deliberately cover their mouths with a hand, arm, or jersey while confronting opponents may now be shown a straight red card, following concerns that such actions could conceal abusive or discriminatory remarks from match officials.
FIFA has also introduced tougher sanctions for protest-related misconduct. Players or team officials who deliberately leave the pitch in protest against refereeing decisions could face dismissal, while any team that causes a match to be abandoned under such circumstances will forfeit the game.
To speed up play, referees will now enforce a strict five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks. Failure to restart within the time limit could result in possession being awarded to the opposition, or a corner kick in the case of goal-kicks.
Substitution procedures have also been tightened. Substituted players must exit the field within 10 seconds using the nearest available exit point, or their replacement may be delayed for up to one minute of active play.
In addition, new medical treatment rules state that outfield players receiving treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for one minute after play resumes, except in specific cases such as head injuries, goalkeeper treatment, or penalty situations.
The Video Assistant Referee system will also see expanded authority. VAR will now be allowed to intervene in cases such as mistaken identity, incorrect disciplinary sanctions, selected corner-kick decisions, and fouls committed before set-pieces are taken.
To manage extreme weather conditions, mandatory hydration breaks will be introduced in every match. Each half will include a three-minute break, typically around the 22nd minute, though referees will have flexibility on timing.
Finally, new restrictions aim to prevent tactical time-wasting during goalkeeper injury stoppages. Outfield players will no longer be allowed to leave the pitch while a goalkeeper is being treated, a move designed to stop teams from using such pauses for unofficial coaching discussions.
The new regulations will be enforced throughout the expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup.
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