Football’s governing body FIFA has officially set five new rules for the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA has announced that this major tournament will be slightly different, with VAR also set to intervene for the second yellow card.
A player will now have 10 seconds to make the substitution, or if they don’t then the team will be one player short for 1 minute.
All new rules:
Quick substitutions : When a player is substituted, he has 10 seconds to leave the field. If he is delayed longer, the substitute must wait one minute before entering, leaving the team temporarily with one less player.
Throw-ins and goal kicks : After a throw-in or goal kick is taken, a 5-second countdown begins. If the player is more than 5 seconds late, possession of the ball is lost.
Medical assistance : A player receiving medical assistance on the field MUST leave and wait one minute before returning, unless the injury results from a foul punishable by a card.
VAR expansion : VAR will now be able to review second yellow cards leading to red cards, as well as incorrectly awarded corner kicks.
Captain and referee : Only the captain is allowed to ask for clarification from the referee. If other players approach or surround the referee, they will be punished with a yellow card.
