With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just a day away, FIFA has announced a series of new IFAB Laws of the Game that will make their debut during the tournament, aiming to speed up play, improve officiating, and enhance the overall experience for players and supporters, Softfootball reports.
The changes were presented through an animated video shared on FIFA’s official X account and include several measures designed to reduce time-wasting.
Among the key adjustments are 10-second substitution procedures, stricter time limits for restarts such as goal kicks and throw-ins, expanded VAR authority in certain situations, and updated interpretations regarding mistaken identity and offences committed before play resumes. Additional provisions could also see goalkeepers penalized with corners awarded to opponents for excessive delays.
FIFA shared:
The new laws of the game which are set to debut at @FIFAWorldCup 2026
The announcement follows FIFA’s recent reminder that only six nations have ever managed to win the World Cup on home soil, highlighting the rarity of host-nation success in football’s biggest tournament.
as tournament hosts- Photo credit: FIFA media
The new IFAB Laws of the Game post generated significant engagement online, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and sparking discussions among fans. While many welcomed the proposed changes, others continued to raise concerns about off-field issues surrounding the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup officially gets underway on Thursday when co-hosts Mexico national football team face South Africa national football team at Estadio Azteca in the opening Group A fixture.
