FIFA approves new time-wasting rules for 2026 World Cup, mandates quicker substitutions and throw-ins

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. It is set to begin on June 11, and the final will take place on July 19.

Published on: Mar 27, 2026, 06:00:08 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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In a major move, FIFA has approved new rules for the 2026 World Cup to address time-wasting. Over the years, time wasting has become common in international and club football, including World Cup matches. It has been witnessed during substitutions, when a player (from the leading team) takes longer than usual to leave the field, or when football stars feign injuries.

FIFA has approved new rules for the upcoming World Cup. (AP)

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico. It is set to begin on June 11, and the final will take place on July 19.

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What are the new rules?

According to the new rules, substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds, or the replacement must wait 1 minute before entering. Meanwhile, throw-ins will need to be done within five seconds. If it takes longer, then the possession will be handed to the opponents.

If a player receives medical treatment, he must leave the pitch for 1 minute before returning. VAR can also review second yellow cards and corner-kick decisions if there is a clear and obvious error. Also, only the captain is now allowed to ask referees for explanations, and if any other player(s) tries to speak to officials or surround an official, they will be issued a yellow card.

The World Cup hasn't yet begun, but it's already seen controversy over Iran's participation. The country might withdraw due to its ongoing regional conflict with Israel and the USA. The USA will co-host the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Initially, Iran's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, stated that the country would boycott the tournament. But then a tweet from Donald Trump, who said that he can't guarantee the safety of Iran's players, the country made a U-turn on their original decision. They have now asked FIFA for an alternate venue to their group stages, which are scheduled to take place in the US.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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