FIFA has unveiled new regulations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The aim is simple: reduce time-wasting, improve match flow, and make refereeing decisions more transparent.
One of the biggest changes affects restarts. Players taking throw-ins and goal kicks must now restart play within five seconds. Any deliberate delay will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team.
Teams that waste time during goal kicks will face harsher punishment. Instead of just losing possession, the opposing team may be awarded a corner kick, giving them an immediate scoring chance.
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FIFA has also introduced stricter substitution rules. Players leaving the pitch must exit within 10 seconds at the nearest point. If they delay, their replacement will be held for one minute, forcing the team to play temporarily with 10 men.
FIFA is also targeting unnecessary stoppages caused by minor injuries. Any player who receives treatment must stay off the pitch for 60 seconds before returning. However, this rule does not apply to goalkeepers, serious injuries, or cases where an opponent is booked or sent off.
Another major change focuses on player behaviour during confrontations. Players who cover their mouths while arguing with opponents or officials could now face a red card. FIFA says the rule is designed to prevent hidden verbal abuse and improve accountability.
VAR protocols have also been updated. Officials can now quickly check whether a corner kick was correctly awarded, but only if the review happens before play restarts.
Also Read: Son Heung-min Leads South Korea for World Cup 2026
VAR will also be allowed to review second yellow cards that lead to a red card. If the caution is clearly incorrect, the decision can be overturned. However, VAR will not review situations where a second yellow card was missed by the referee.
written by @enock katamba
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Enock Katamba – Journalist | Founder of Uncovered Ug (uncoveredug.com)
Enock Katamba is a Ugandan journalist and founder of Uncovered Uganda, a digital online news platform covering health, national news, entertainment, celebrity gossip, music, education, business, sports, and international news. He focuses on delivering accurate, timely, and reliable information to keep the public informed.
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