The Digest:
FIFA has approved four new rule changes ahead of the 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico with an expanded 48-team format. The tweaks aim to make matches faster and assist referees in decision-making. The new rules include:
- Substitutions: Players being substituted off must leave the field within 10 seconds. Failure to do so will force their replacement to wait one minute before entering.
- Throw-ins: Players have five seconds to take a throw-in. Delay results in the opposing team gaining possession.
- Medical Treatment: Any player receiving on-field treatment must wait one minute before rejoining the game.
- VAR Expansion: Video Assistant Referee will now review second yellow cards and corner-kick decisions if there's a clear and obvious error.
FIFA's new rules promise faster football and sharper officiating, 10 seconds to leave, five to throw, and VAR watching everything, even the corners.
Sources: FIFA Announcement
