New rule changes have been confirmed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as football’s lawmakers introduce measures designed to speed up play, reduce time-wasting and improve the accuracy of refereeing decisions.

The changes were approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for setting the Laws of the Game, at its annual general meeting in Hensol, Wales. The tournament itself will be staged across three host nations — the United States, Canada and Mexico — from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

One of the most notable changes relates to disciplinary rules when referees apply the advantage. Under the updated laws, a player who commits a foul that would normally stop a promising attack will not automatically receive a yellow card if the referee allows play to continue and the attacking team goes on to score. The logic behind the adjustment is that the offence did not ultimately prevent a goal-scoring opportunity, so an additional punishment may be unnecessary.

Another key measure is the introduction of a five-second countdown aimed at tackling time-wasting during restarts. Referees will be allowed to start a visible countdown when players delay taking throw-ins or goal kicks. If the ball is not put back into play before the countdown expires, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. For example, a delayed throw-in would be given to the opposition, while a goal kick that takes too long could result in a corner kick for the attacking side.

Football authorities believe the rule will discourage players from deliberately slowing the game, a tactic often used to protect a narrow lead late in matches.

Stricter procedures have also been introduced for substitutions and injuries. A player who is substituted must leave the pitch within 10 seconds once the substitution board is displayed. If they fail to do so, the replacement player may be forced to wait before entering the field, effectively preventing teams from wasting time during substitutions.

Similarly, players who require on-field medical assessment that stops the match will be required to leave the field and remain off for at least one minute after play restarts. Officials say this rule aims to discourage players from exaggerating injuries to disrupt the tempo of the match.

The Video Assistant Referee system will also gain expanded authority. VAR officials will now be able to review incidents involving a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a red card. They will also be able to intervene when a corner kick has been wrongly awarded, provided the correction can be made immediately without delaying the restart of play. In addition, VAR may assist referees in cases of mistaken identity, such as when the wrong player is penalized.

Beyond disciplinary and VAR changes, the updated Laws of the Game introduce several other adjustments. Referees may be permitted to wear body cameras during matches, depending on competition regulations, allowing organizers to review footage or use it for broadcasting and training purposes. The rules also clarify certain technical areas, including dropped-ball procedures and penalty-kick situations where the taker accidentally touches the ball twice.

Another amendment concerns player equipment. Non-dangerous accessories or items may now be worn if they are properly covered and secured, a change designed to accommodate medical or cultural needs while maintaining safety on the field.

Football lawmakers say the package of reforms is part of a broader effort to increase “effective playing time” and make matches more fluid and entertaining for fans worldwide. With the expanded format of the 2026 World Cup expected to feature more teams and games than ever before, officials believe the updated rules will help ensure consistency in officiating and maintain the pace of play throughout the tournament.