Six major rule changes at the 2026 World Cup that every fan needs to know about

The 2026 World Cup will feature six new rules that could potentially define this summer's tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, including 10-second substitutions and new anti-timewasting measures.

Earlier this year, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) announced a host of changes for the upcoming tournament as they attempt to increase match tempo and improve fan and player experience.

For context, the IFAB is responsible for overseeing and determining the laws of the game, while former referee Pierluigi Collina, who is FIFA's chief refereeing officer, has played a key role in delivering the planned changes.

"We are trying to clean the game as much as possible," said Collina.

From five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal-kicks to mandatory one-minute off-field treatment periods, the new rules could potentially have a huge impact at the 48-team tournament.

So, what can we expect? One of the newly introduced regulations involves covering your mouth in a confrontational situation, which could result in a red card.

The rule change comes after Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni received a six-game suspension by UEFA after being found guilty of homophobic conduct towards Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game in February.

“If it is a friendly conversation, they can continue to do it without any problem,” explained Collina.

There will be countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins of five seconds. Image credit: Getty

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“We respect that there are players who are friends and it is normal to chat before, during or after the match. When it is confrontational, it is a completely different story. Covering the mouth means you are doing something potentially very wrong.”

“This is something you do on purpose,” he added. “It is not something that a player can do instinctively.”

The six major rule changes at this summer's World Cup

Another regulation involves VAR overturning wrongly awarded second yellow cards and incorrectly awarded corners. In fact, VAR can step in if a foul is committed before the ball enters play at a set piece.

Here are the six rules in full.

Rule 1: Substituted players will now have 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they take longer, the incoming player will have to wait one minute before entering.

Rule 2: Referees will now use a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins AND goal-kicks. If a throw-in is not taken before the countdown expires, possession will be awarded to the opposition. If a goal-kick is delayed beyond the countdown, the opposing side will receive a corner kick.

Rule 3: Players who receive treatment from medical staff on the field will generally be required to remain off the pitch for 60 seconds before returning, although exceptions will apply in certain situations.

Rule 4: VAR can overturn wrongly awarded second yellow cards and incorrectly awarded corners.

Rule 5: VAR can step in if a foul is committed before the ball enters play at a set piece.

Rule 6: Any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.

Gary Neville praises FIFA for introducing "unbelievable" rule change

As mentioned above, substituted players will now have 10 seconds to leave the field of play and if they take longer, the incoming player will have to wait one minute before entering.

It is a rule former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has welcomed with open arms.

“I think this is an unbelievable introduction – time-limited substitutions,” Neville said on The Overlap. “I love that. It’s so annoying watching players walk off slowly. The players and teams are gaming the system.

“You can criticise FIFA for many things but I do think they get their referee stuff right. I think those are pretty good introductions and will make the game better for the fans.”

Thoughts on the new rules? Let us know in the comments.