FIFA approves new rules to speed up games ahead of the 2026 World Cup

FIFA has unveiled a series of rule changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, aimed at speeding up matches and limiting time-wasting. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19, and the updates affect substitutions, restarts, injury protocols, and the use of VAR.

Under the new rules, players being substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds; if they delay, their replacement must wait one minute before entering.

Throw-ins and goal kicks now have a five-second limit, with possession awarded to the opposition if taken too slowly. Players receiving medical treatment on the field must exit immediately and can only return after one minute of resumed play.

VAR oversight will also expand, allowing referees to review incidents involving second yellow cards and clear errors on corner kick decisions, reinforcing accuracy in critical moments.

The 2026 World Cup will be historic in several ways. It will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.

Mexico becomes the first country to host three men’s World Cups, while Canada will host for the first time. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever.

The United 2026 bid secured hosting rights over Morocco at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, returning the tournament to its traditional summer schedule after Qatar’s 2022 edition took place in November and December.

New entrants expected to make their debut include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, while defending champions Argentina aim to retain their title.

Ghana will compete in its fifth World Cup, beginning its Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.