Major FIFA rule changes explained as Iceland's costly error sends warning to every 2026 World Cup team

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is less than two weeks away, but one national team has already discovered just how costly football's newest rules can be. Iceland became the first side to be punished under FIFA's revamped substitution regulations during a friendly against Japan, offering a stark warning to every nation heading to the United States, Mexico and Canada this summer. Yet the substitution crackdown is only one part of a sweeping package of law changes approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) ahead of the tournament. From expanded VAR powers and stricter anti-time-wasting measures to new conduct regulations and mandatory hydration breaks, the 2026 World Cup will be the first major international tournament played under a significantly revised set of laws. The most immediate example of the new regulations came during Japan's 1-0 victory over Iceland in Tokyo. Under the new law, once the substitution board is shown, the player leaving the field has just 10 seconds to exit and must do so via the nearest point on the boundary line. If that player fails to leave within the allotted time, the replacement cannot enter immediately. Instead, the substitute must wait until the first stoppage after at least one minute has elapsed following the restart of play. Iceland discovered the consequences the hard way. In the 85th minute, Hjortur Hermannsson successfully entered the pitch to replace Daniel Leo Gretarsson. However, Iceland's second planned substitution ran into trouble when Kristian Nokkvi Hlynsson took too long to leave the field before Isak Snaer Thorvaldsson could enter. By the time Hlynsson reached the touchline, the referee refused to allow Thorvaldsson onto the pitch. Iceland were therefore forced to continue with 10 players. Although the minimum punishment period is one minute, there is no maximum limit. Iceland ultimately played with a numerical disadvantage for one minute and 51 seconds before the next stoppage arrived. That stoppage came when Japan striker Koki Ogawa headed home the winning goal in the 87th minute. For every World Cup team, it served as a brutal reminder that even a few seconds of delay can now carry major consequences. IFAB has also introduced stricter anti-time-wasting measures around throw-ins and goal-kicks. The changes are designed to reduce one of football's most persistent frustrations and ensure quicker restarts throughout matches. One of the most significant changes concerns the Video Assistant Referee. Since its introduction at FIFA competitions in 2017, VAR has undergone several adjustments, but IFAB has now approved another major expansion of its authority. However, safeguards remain in place. VAR reviews involving corner kicks will only be used to correct clear and obvious errors and must not delay the restart of play. Likewise, VAR can overturn an incorrectly-awarded second yellow card but cannot recommend a second caution if the referee did not originally issue one. Speaking during an official FIFA media briefing and press conference on the landmark IFAB rule changes ahead of the upcoming tournament, FIFA chief refereeing officer Pierluigi Collina said: “We started (using) VAR in FIFA competitions in 2017, at the Confederations Cup before the World Cup in Russia in 2018.” "So, we (think it is) the time to reconsider the protocol which was written when there was very limited experience." A new conduct rule has also been introduced ahead of the tournament. Players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm or shirt during confrontational situations will now be shown a red card. The regulation follows several high-profile incidents in recent seasons where players attempted to conceal comments made during disputes. However, IFAB has clarified that players covering their mouths during ordinary conversations, including friendly discussions with opponents or club teammates representing different countries, will not be punished. The change follows scrutiny surrounding Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni, who was accused of making discriminatory remarks towards Vinicius Junior while covering his mouth during a Champions League knockout tie. IFAB has also strengthened regulations surrounding protests against match officials. The change follows several controversial incidents across international football in recent years where teams temporarily left the field following disputed decisions. Another significant change targets injury stoppages. If medical staff enter the field to treat an outfield player, that player must remain off the pitch for at least one minute after play restarts. The rule is designed to discourage unnecessary treatment stoppages and ensure matches resume more quickly. Several important exceptions have been included. The requirement does not apply to goalkeeper injuries, collisions involving goalkeepers, collisions between teammates requiring attention, severe injuries, head injuries, concussion-related incidents or situations where the injured player is due to take a penalty. FIFA is also attempting to address a growing trend where teams use injury stoppages as unofficial tactical timeouts. Although IFAB has not yet approved formal sanctions, referees have been instructed to actively prevent teams from exploiting such situations. The issue was discussed during meetings involving coaches from all 48 World Cup nations. Collina explained FIFA's position by saying: "We will not allow the teams going to the benches when a goalkeeper is lying on the ground injured. "The goalkeeper has the right to be injured, but the players do not have the right to leave the field of play to have some sort of time out with their respective coaches." He added: "We told them, 'Be aware that we know' so what we can avoid is having all the players off the field of play." While referees currently lack specific disciplinary powers in these situations, FIFA has made it clear that the practice will be closely monitored throughout the tournament. The final major change concerns player welfare. Every World Cup match will now feature a mandatory three-minute hydration break in each half. The stoppage is expected to occur around the midway point of each half, approximately the 22nd minute, although referees will have flexibility depending on injuries, stoppages and the overall flow of the game. For example, if a player requires treatment around the scheduled hydration period, officials can combine the two stoppages. The move reflects growing concerns around player workload, rising temperatures and the physical demands of a tournament that will stretch across three host nations during the North American summer. The expanded 48-team format was already set to make the 2026 edition the largest World Cup in history. Now, it will also become one of the most heavily regulated. From substitutions and throw-ins to VAR reviews, player conduct and injury management, the new laws touch almost every aspect of the game. And after Iceland's costly experience against Japan, teams have already received a clear warning that FIFA and IFAB intend to enforce them strictly from the very first whistle.