Innovation for the 2026 World Cup
Substitutions of players can result in time penalties
Updated June 2, 2026 – 5:55 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Spectators will have to prepare for some changes at the 2026 World Cup. This not only affects the tournament format, but also decisions on the field.
For the first time, 48 nations will take part in the 2026 World Cup. In terms of the number of participants and games, the largest World Cup in history will take place in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Not only does the mode change, but also a lot on the pitch. The referees should take more aggressive action against time play in the future.
This is made possible through adjustments by the International Football Association Board (Ifab), which sets the rules for football worldwide. An innovation that will be used for the first time at the tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada relates to player substitutions. Professionals who are substituted must leave the field within ten seconds of the scoreboard lighting up. If a player needs longer, the teammate who replaced him has to wait outside first. He may only enter the field during the first break in play after one minute has elapsed. Until then, his team will be outnumbered.
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A new regulation regarding interruptions in treatment is also aimed at preventing excessive time play. If a player receives treatment on the field, he must then remain outside for one minute. However, this does not apply if the injury is the result of a foul in which the referee shows a yellow or red card. Goalkeepers are also exempt from this.
The Ifab has also approved further changes that will be implemented for the first time at the 2026 World Cup. You can find an overview of the most important innovations here.