FIFA has announced a series of amendments to the Laws of the Game aimed at improving match flow and officiating ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The new regulations, which form part of the 2026/27 edition of the Laws of the Game, introduce stricter measures to curb time-wasting and enhance the effectiveness of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system.

Among the most notable changes is the introduction of a five-second countdown for delayed throw-ins and goal kicks, designed to reduce unnecessary stoppages and speed up restarts.

According to the new rules, substituted players will also be required to leave the field within 10 seconds, while injured outfield players must wait at least one minute before re-entering the pitch after play has restarted.

FIFA has also expanded the scope of VAR intervention.

Under the revised rules, VAR officials will be permitted to review clearly incorrect corner-kick decisions and incidents involving second-yellow-card dismissals.

In another important adjustment, players will no longer receive a caution when an advantage is played following a denial of an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (DOGSO) if the attacking team subsequently scores.

The change is intended to avoid what FIFA considers an unnecessary double punishment.

The governing body has further granted competition organizers the option to introduce referee body cameras and issue red cards for confrontations involving players or officials who deliberately cover their mouths to conceal conversations.

According to FIFA, the updated law book will officially come into force on July 1, 2026.

However, competitions scheduled to begin before that date will be permitted to adopt the new regulations earlier if they choose.