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FIFA Confirms New Time‑Wasting Rules for 2026 World Cup

The move targets deliberate delays to keep the ball in play longer.

Overview

  • FIFA, which confirmed the changes Tuesday, will apply a package of law updates and related disciplinary consultations at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
  • A five‑second visual countdown will appear on throw‑ins and goal‑kicks when a referee judges stalling, with late throw‑ins handed to the other team and delayed goal‑kicks turned into corners.
  • Players who are subbed off will have a maximum of 10 seconds to leave after the board is shown, or their team will play short until the next stoppage when the replacement can enter.
  • Any player who receives on‑field treatment or causes a stoppage for injury must leave and stay off for one minute after play restarts, with exceptions for goalkeepers and fouls that drew a card.
  • Video review will now also check clear errors on red cards from a wrong second yellow, cases of mistaken identity, and corners awarded in error when an immediate review is possible.