The International Football Association Board (IFAB), the global body responsible for determining and updating the Laws of the Game, has announced a series of new football regulations set to take effect ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The changes are designed to reduce time-wasting, improve match flow, and strengthen officiating accuracy through expanded use of technology.
One of the major adjustments introduces a strict countdown for throw-ins. Under the new rule, referees will allow only five seconds for players to restart play with a throw-in. Failure to put the ball back into play within the allotted time will result in possession being awarded to the opposing team. Officials say the measure mirrors existing time restrictions applied to goalkeepers and aims to speed up restarts during matches.
The lawmaking body also approved faster substitution procedures to limit delays. Once a substitution signal is given, the outgoing player must leave the pitch within 10 seconds. If the player exceeds the time limit, the incoming substitute will be required to wait until the next stoppage of play after at least one minute of action has resumed, effectively discouraging deliberate slowing of the game.
In addition, IFAB introduced new guidelines regarding on-field medical treatment. When play is halted for a player to receive medical attention, that player must remain off the field for one minute after the match restarts. The rule is intended to reduce unnecessary stoppages and prevent teams from using injury pauses as tactical interruptions.
The authority of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has also been expanded under the updated laws. VAR officials will now be permitted to intervene in situations involving red cards issued following clearly incorrect second yellow-card decisions. Furthermore, VAR may review wrongly awarded corner kicks, provided the review occurs immediately and does not create delays in the flow of the match.
Football authorities believe the reforms will enhance fairness, transparency, and match tempo as the sport prepares for its next global showcase. The new regulations are expected to be implemented across international competitions leading into the 2026 tournament, signaling one of the most notable rule updates in recent years.
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