New for World Cup 2026

What's new for World Cup 2026

IFAB changed several laws effective 1 July 2026 — just in time for the tournament. Even hardcore fans won't know all of these.

New RuleLaws 15 & 16

5-Second Countdown for Throw-ins & Goal Kicks

Referees now use a visible 5-second countdown when a team is delaying a throw-in or goal kick. Miss the countdown and you lose possession — or concede a corner.

Before

No time limit on taking throw-ins or goal kicks. Yellow card was the only deterrent for time-wasting.

Now

5-second visual countdown. Throw-in not taken in time → awarded to opponents. Goal kick not taken in time → corner kick to opponents.

New RuleLaw 12

DOGSO + Advantage + Goal = No Card

If a referee plays advantage after a DOGSO foul and the attacking team scores as a result, the player who committed the foul receives no card at all — not even a yellow.

Before

DOGSO foul where advantage was played → yellow card shown at next stoppage regardless of outcome.

Now

DOGSO foul where advantage is played AND a goal is scored → no card for the fouling player.

New RuleLaw 5

Injured Players Must Leave for 1 Minute

If play is stopped for an injury, the injured player must leave the field and stay off for one full minute after play restarts — unless specific exceptions apply.

Before

Injured players could receive treatment and remain on the field or return immediately after a brief assessment.

Now

If play stops for injury, player must leave and stay off for one minute of playing time after restart. Exceptions: goalkeeper, injury caused by opponent foul punished by YC or RC.

New RuleLaw 3

10-Second Substitution Rule

A player being substituted must leave the field within 10 seconds of the substitution board being shown. If they don't, the substitute cannot enter until the next stoppage after one full minute.

Before

No time limit for substituted players to leave the field. Yellow card possible for excessive delay but rarely shown.

Now

10 seconds to leave once the board is shown. Exceed it and the substitute waits until the next stoppage after one minute of play.

New RuleLaw 5 & VAR Protocol

VAR Can Now Review Wrong Second Yellow Cards

VAR can now intervene if a referee shows a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a red card — a category that was previously off-limits for VAR review.

Before

VAR could not review second yellow cards. Only direct red cards were reviewable.

Now

VAR can review a clearly incorrect second yellow card that results in a red card. The standard is still clear and obvious error.