All Changes to World Cup Rules for 2026 You Need to Know

The Rulebook Gets a Rewrite

Every World Cup brings tweaks to the Laws of the Game, but 2026 features some of the most significant rule changes in tournament history. From squad sizes to video assistant referee technology, FIFA and IFAB have implemented changes designed to improve player safety, enhance fairness, and increase the spectacle.

Here is everything you need to know about the new rules.

1. Expanded Squad Sizes: 26 Players

FIFA has increased the maximum squad size from 23 to 26 players for the 2026 tournament. This change responds directly to the expanded format: with 48 teams and 104 matches, player workload and travel fatigue are greater concerns.

Key details:

• Teams must name a final 23-man matchday squad (11 starters + 12 substitutes)
• All 26 players are eligible for selection in any match
• Teams may replace a seriously injured player up to 24 hours before their first match (subject to FIFA medical confirmation)
• Goalkeeper-specific: Teams may name up to 4 goalkeepers in the 26-man squad

2. Substitution Rules: 5 Subs, 3 Windows

The five-substitution rule, introduced during COVID-19 and made permanent, remains in effect.

• 5 substitutes per match per team
• Substitutions can be made in 3 windows (plus halftime)
• Teams may use a maximum of 3 windows for outfield substitutions
• Goalkeeper substitutions count toward the 5 total but not the window limit if made for a goalkeeper

3. VAR and Semi-Automated Offside Technology

FIFA has fully implemented Semi-Automated Offside Technology (SAOT) for 2026, building on the system trialed at the 2022 World Cup and refined at subsequent tournaments.

How it works:

• 12 dedicated tracking cameras mounted in each stadium capture 29 data points per player, 50 times per second
• A sensor in the match ball (connected via IMU — Inertial Measurement Unit) detects the exact moment the ball is played
• AI processes the data instantly, alerting the VAR team of offside situations
• Average offside check time: under 15 seconds (down from 70+ seconds with manual VAR)

Other VAR improvements:

• VAR reviews for red cards and penalties remain unchanged
• Referee on-field reviews (OFR) use pitchside monitors with automated camera angles
• Fans in stadiums and watching on TV see the same 3D animation the VAR team uses

4. Extra Time Format Changes

For knockout matches that go beyond 90 minutes, FIFA has maintained but clarified the extra time format:

• Two periods of 15 minutes each (30 minutes total)
• Teams receive a fourth substitution window during extra time
• If extra time is required, teams may use one additional substitute (for a total of 6)
• This additional substitute is available regardless of how many windows were used during regular time

5. Concussion Protocols

Player safety takes center stage with new concussion protocols:

• Permanent concussion substitutes: If a player suffers a confirmed or suspected concussion, the opposing team does not lose a substitution window. The concussed player is removed, and a replacement enters.
• Medical assessment: An independent match-day concussion spotter observes all potential head injuries from a remote location and can stop play if a concussion is suspected.
• Mandatory assessment period: Any player involved in a head collision must leave the field for a mandatory 3-minute assessment before returning.

6. New Disciplinary Rules

• Yellow cards still reset after the quarterfinal stage
• A player sent off in the group stage serves a one-match ban (same as before, but with fewer group matches, a red card is more impactful)
• Direct red cards for serious foul play carry a minimum two-match ban
• Accumulated yellows: Two yellow cards in the group stage result in a one-match ban (with only two group matches, players must be highly disciplined)

7. Kickoff and Time Management

• Ball in play time: FIFA has instructed referees to more strictly enforce the 6-second goalkeeper possession rule
• Injury time: Fourth officials will more transparently display added time calculations on digital boards
• Celebration time: Goalscorer celebrations are limited to 60 seconds; excessive delays are cautioned

These rule changes collectively aim to make the 2026 World Cup faster, fairer, and safer while preserving the drama and unpredictability that makes the tournament special.