ZURICH: FIFA and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have confirmed a series of rule changes that will take effect during the FIFA World Cup 2026, introducing new measures aimed at reducing time-wasting, improving match flow and enhancing the experience for players and fans.

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Changes to player treatment and substitutions Expanded VAR powers Hydration breaks for extreme conditions

The new regulations will be implemented at the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, before becoming part of the 2026-27 football season across the sport.

According to the updated laws, teams could face penalties for delaying restarts of play. Players who intentionally take more than five seconds to restart play from a throw-in or goal kick may concede an advantage to the opposing team.

Changes to player treatment and substitutions

Under the new rules, outfield players who receive treatment from medical staff during a match will generally be required to remain off the field for one minute before returning to play. Goalkeepers and certain exceptional situations will be exempt from the requirement.

FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer Pierluigi Collina said the changes are designed to discourage time-wasting and increase effective playing time.

Substitution procedures have also been revised. Players being replaced will have 10 seconds to leave the field through the nearest exit point. Failure to do so could delay the entry of the substitute until the next stoppage in play, forcing the team to temporarily continue with one fewer player.

Expanded VAR powers

The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system will receive broader authority under the revised rules. Officials will be able to review additional incidents, including certain corner-kick decisions and dismissals resulting from a second yellow card.

FIFA has also introduced stricter disciplinary measures for unsporting conduct. Players involved in confrontations or those who attempt to conceal offensive comments by covering their mouths during disputes may face red-card sanctions.

Hydration breaks for extreme conditions

To address concerns about player welfare in hot weather conditions, matches will include a three-minute hydration break around the 22nd minute of each half when required.

Officials say the measure is intended to help players maintain performance levels during games played in high temperatures, a factor expected to be relevant at several World Cup venues across North America.