2026 World Cup: 11 new refereeing rules come into effect

IFAB approved 11 new refereeing rules for the 2026 World Cup, aimed at speeding up play and reducing time-wasting. Key measures: players have five seconds for throw-ins, goalkeepers must release the ball or concede a corner, substitutions must be completed within ten seconds or the team plays a man down temporarily. Medical treatment for outfield players will require at least one minute off the field, unless the injury results from a cautionable or send-off offense.