New FIFA Rules Arrive Before 2026 World Cup

Conmebol adopts modifications approved by IFAB in February to energize the game and combat time-wasting.

IFAB approved major changes to the laws of football in February, now being applied gradually before the 2026 World Cup. These rules aim to reduce time-wasting and speed up the game: five-second delay for throw-ins and clearances, ten seconds to leave the field in case of substitution, one minute off the pitch after medical treatment. VAR also benefits from extended powers to intervene on incorrectly awarded corners and yellow cards. These modifications will apply in most global competitions starting from July.