The Copa Mundial de la FIFA 2026 is set to mark a turning point in football history, not only because of its expansion to 48 teams but also due to a series of rule changes aimed at improving the flow of the game. The FIFA, alongside the IFAB, has introduced new measures to reduce time-wasting and increase match intensity.

One of the most striking changes concerns substitutions. Players being replaced will have just 10 seconds to leave the pitch. If they exceed that limit, the incoming player must wait an additional minute before entering, temporarily leaving the team with ten players. This rule directly targets deliberate delays late in matches.

Another innovation is the introduction of visible countdowns for restarts. Throw-ins and goal kicks will have a five-second limit. Failure to comply will result in a turnover of possession for throw-ins or a corner kick awarded to the opposition in the case of goal kicks.

Medical treatment rules have also been tightened. Any player receiving on-field treatment must leave the pitch and wait at least one minute before returning, unless the injury resulted from a card-worthy foul. Additionally, only the team captain will be allowed to speak with the referee, with other players risking a yellow card if they protest.

VAR has also been expanded. It can now review second yellow cards and obvious errors in corner kick decisions, increasing its influence on key moments of the game.

Structurally, the tournament will feature 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group, along with the eight best third-placed teams, will advance to a newly introduced Round of 32. This expansion raises the total number of matches to 104, making it the largest World Cup ever.

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