FIFA announces new rule changes and roster sizes for 2026 World Cup

FIFA has confirmed significant regulation changes for the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The primary objective of these adjustments is to reduce time-wasting and increase active playing time. New rules include a 10-second limit for players leaving the pitch during substitutions, with a penalty of playing one minute shorthanded for non-compliance. Throw-ins and goalkeeper restarts must now be executed within 5 seconds, or possession will be transferred to the opposing team. Players receiving on-pitch medical treatment must remain off the field for at least one minute, unless the injury resulted from a foul punished with a card. Additionally, only team captains are permitted to communicate directly with the referee. Finally, FIFA has officially confirmed that each participating national squad will consist of 26 players.