🚩 New rules for the World Cup, FIFA confirms more VAR, less waiting | OneFootball

International football is preparing for a historic change. FIFA has approved a new package of measures for the 2026 World Cup with one clear objective: to eliminate time-wasting. These rules aim to speed up the game and ensure that fans enjoy more minutes of real action on the pitch.

One of the most striking measures affects substitutions. From now on, substituted players will have a maximum of 10 seconds to leave the field. If they exceed this time, the incoming player must wait one minute on the touchline before entering, temporarily leaving their team a player short.

📸 Luke Hales - 2025 Getty Images

The throw-in will also be subject to stricter timing. Players will have just 5 seconds to restart play. If they go over this limit, they will lose possession and the throw-in will automatically be awarded to the opposing team. This rule promises to increase the intensity and avoid unnecessary stoppages on the flanks.

Medical break... and more VAR

As for player health, players who receive medical treatment on the pitch must remain off the field for a full minute after being attended to. This measure seeks to prevent the recurring play-acting that disrupts the flow of matches at crucial moments.

Finally, VAR is expanding its powers. The technology will now be able to intervene in second yellow card incidents and in decisions on corner kicks, provided there is a "clear and obvious error." With these changes, FIFA is betting on a smoother, fairer, and more dynamic World Cup in 2026.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇪🇸 here.

📸 PAUL ELLIS - AFP or licensors