FIFA has unveiled a series of major rule changes set to take effect at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to Tribuna.
The new measures are designed to enhance the flow of matches and minimise time-wasting.
Under the updated rules, a player being substituted will have a maximum of 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If this limit is exceeded, the incoming player will be delayed for one minute, leaving the team temporarily with 10 players.
A strict 5-second limit will also apply to throw-ins and goal kicks. Failure to comply will result in possession being handed to the opposing team.
Additionally, any player who receives medical treatment on the pitch must exit the field and wait one minute before returning — except in cases where the injury resulted from a foul that led to a card.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will now be used to review wrongly awarded corner kicks.
FIFA also stated that only the team captain is permitted to approach the referee for clarification on decisions, while other players who crowd the official risk being shown a yellow card.