2026 World Cup: 10 seconds for substitutions, no hands covering the mouth, no more VAR... everything you need to know about the new World Cup rules

FIFA has confirmed in an animated version all the rule changes that will be in effect during the World Cup (June 11-July 19). These changes aim in particular to reduce time-wasting and expand the use of VAR.

Hands covering mouths, sprints to leave the pitch, reversed throw-ins… Things are going to change on the field during the World Cup (June 11-July 19). As announced in recent weeks, FIFA has presented, in an animated video, all the rule changes that will come into effect during the tournament, some of which have already been seen in friendly matches, notably France's 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland. "These amendments aim to combat discrimination, reduce time-wasting, improve the tempo of the game, and enhance the experience for players and fans," the international federation explains in the video.

The six-yard box will turn into a corner if it is taken too slowly.

These changes, approved by the IFAB, which governs the Laws of the Game, have several aims, including reducing protests against referees, expanding the use of video assistance, and putting an end to the interminable preparation times for throw-ins, as Arsenal experienced during the Champions League final against PSG (1-1, 4-3 on penalties). If the referee judges that a player or goalkeeper is taking too long to take a six-yard kick, they will now activate a five-second countdown with their hand to signal that play must restart within that time. If they fail to do so, a corner will be awarded to the opposing team. The same procedure applies to throw-ins.

The new laws of the game which are set to debut at @FIFAWorldCup 2026 ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/cFKgQzKQrl

— FIFA (@FIFAcom)

Chargement du post X/Twitter...

Players will have to make a conscious effort to break old habits, such as taking their time leaving the field when substituted. The player being substituted will have ten seconds to leave the playing area. If they fail to do so, the replacement must wait until the first stoppage of play, at least one minute later, before entering the field. The same rule applies to injured players, who must receive treatment off the field before being allowed to return just one minute later.

Another reflex to break: covering your mouth during an altercation with an opponent to avoid a repeat of the Prestianni-Vinicius incident. Last February, the Real Madrid striker accused his opponent of making racist remarks. The Argentinian midfielder kept his hand over his mouth, and no foul could be proven. Ambiguity will no longer be tolerated: a player covering their mouth during a confrontation now risks being sent off.

Finally, referees will now be able to consult VAR on new incidents: a second yellow card wrongly awarded, a player identification error, a corner kick incorrectly awarded, or a foul by the attacking team committed prior to a free kick or corner kick.

The new rules that come into effect during the World Cup

1. A player seen covering his mouth during a confrontation or situation with an opponent may receive a red card from the referee.
2. If a player leaves the field and protests against a referee's decision, this can result in a red card.
3. A red card can also be given against any official member of the team who incites or encourages players to leave the field because of a decision by an official.
4. If a referee judges that a goal kick is being deliberately delayed, a five-second visual countdown will begin. If the ball is not played by the end of this countdown, a corner kick will be awarded to the opposing team.
5. The same five-second countdown will apply to throw-ins with the ball given back to the opposing team if the referee deems it is taking too long.
6. When a player is substituted, he must leave the field in less than ten seconds. If he fails to do so, he will still leave the field, but the incoming player can only replace him after the first stoppage of play, at least one minute later.
7. When a player receives treatment on the field for an injury, or when the injury requires play to be stopped, he must leave the field and remain off it for at least one minute after play has resumed.
8. VAR is now authorized to check and review a red card following a manifestly unjustified second yellow card, a case of mistaken identity when a referee has penalized the wrong player with a yellow or red card, a clearly misplaced corner or a clear foul by the attacking team before the ball enters play on free kicks or corners when this directly influences a goal, a penalty or a disciplinary outcome.