World Cup 2026: Law changes explained - VAR, time wasting and substitutes

The 2026 World Cup will be unprecedented for several reasons, including the large number of rule changes that have been adopted. FIFA introduced 11 new procedures specifically for this tournament. Pierluigi Collina, chief referee, seeks to speed up matches and reduce errors that may affect the results of matches. But you will have to get used to these new laws, as most of them will be applied in the English Premier League, English Football League and Scottish Premiership next season.

New changes include time-saving measures during goal kicks, throw-ins and player substitutions. Controlling time wasting is one of the most prominent issues that Colina has focused on for several years. At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, referees were asked to be accurate in calling extra time. All opening matches exceeded 100 minutes, with 24 minutes added across half-time in England's 6-2 win over Iran.

So, the goal in the next World Cup is to make sure players keep playing to minimize time lost. The idea is not to strictly enforce, but to introduce deterrent measures to change players' behaviour.

Timed for goal kicks and throw-ins (five seconds): If a player intentionally delays the restart of play, the goal kick may turn into a corner kick or the throw-in may be given to the opposing team. The count will not start when the ball leaves the court; Rather, the referee will do this if he finds the player taking too long. As part of this rule, referees will have to count out loud as a way to put pressure on goalkeepers who take too long.

Timed substitutions (10 seconds): Players being substituted have 10 seconds to leave the field at the nearest point. If they fail to do so, the substitute player cannot enter the field for at least a minute, and the team must play with ten men. There are some exceptions if a player is injured or there are security concerns.

Players must come off for 1 minute after treatment: In the past few years, Premier League and English Football League fans have become accustomed to players remaining off the field for 30 seconds after a therapist intervenes. Now the duration has been increased to a minute, and this is not only for the World Cup, it will be in the Laws of the Game as well.

No more tactical goalkeeper stops? “Tactical goalkeeper stops” have become a hot topic in recent seasons. It is used by coaches to give new instructions to players or to influence the momentum of the opposing team. Collina told coaches from the 48 teams participating in the World Cup that players will be banned from going to the technical area when goalkeepers are injured.

VAR technology: There are four new areas that will be covered by video technology. Among these areas are ensuring the validity of the corner kick, reviewing the second expulsion of players, and the possibility of reviewing significant fouls before resuming play.

Powers to combat bad player behaviour: FIFA seeks to avoid a repeat of high-level disciplinary incidents, as a referee can now send off a player who covers his mouth in a confrontational situation. A player who leaves the field to protest the referee's decision may also be sent off.

The 2026 World Cup will be a unique experience, and officials hope these changes will make the game smoother and less time-consuming.