Ahead of the 2026 World Cup, FIFA announced a number of rule modifications intended to expedite games and reduce time-wasting. The changes include replacements, restarts, injury protocols, and the use of VAR during the event, which takes place from June 11 to July 19.
The new regulations stipulate that players who are substituted must exit the field within ten seconds; if they do not, their replacement must wait a minute to join.
Goal kicks and throw-ins are now limited to five seconds, and if they take too long, the other team will get possession. Players who are receiving medical attention on the field are required to leave right away and are only permitted to return after play has restarted for one minute.
VAR oversight will also expand, allowing referees to review incidents involving second yellow cards and clear errors on corner kick decisions, reinforcing accuracy in critical moments.
The 2026 World Cup will be historic in several ways. It will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico across 16 cities—11 in the U.S., three in Mexico, and two in Canada.
Mexico becomes the first country to host three men’s World Cups, while Canada will host for the first time. The tournament will expand to 48 teams, making it the largest World Cup ever.
The United 2026 bid secured hosting rights over Morocco at the 68th FIFA Congress in Moscow, returning the tournament to its traditional summer schedule after Qatar’s 2022 edition took place in November and December.
New entrants expected to make their debut include Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, while defending champions Argentina aim to retain their title.
Ghana will compete in its fifth World Cup, beginning its Group L campaign against Panama on June 17, followed by matches against England on June 23 and Croatia on June 27.
