2026 World Cup: the new rules for time management

FIFA has decided to take action to prevent time-wasting from spoiling the 2026 World Cup.

Among the new regulations introduced for the 2026 World Cup, there's a clear intent to stamp out blatant time-wasting tactics. Referees will now use a visible five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks. If a throw-in is not taken before the countdown expires, possession will be awarded to the opposing team. If a goal kick is delayed beyond the countdown, the opposing side will be given a corner kick.

Substitute players will now have only 10 seconds to leave the pitch after the substitution board is displayed and must exit at the nearest point on the touchline. If a player fails to leave the field within the allotted time, their replacement will only be allowed to enter at the first stoppage after play resumes, one minute after the restart.

Similarly, players receiving medical treatment off the field must now stay off the pitch for at least one minute after play resumes.

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

World Cup