2026 World Cup: How FIFA's new offside and medical rules could change soccer forever

A s the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, the sport's governing body is exploring bold changes to the Laws of the Game in a bid to improve match flow and reduce time-wasting tactics.

With less than six months remaining before the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the introduction of new rules has sparked debate among fans, players, and officials. These potential changes could alter how the game is played on the world stage, demonstrating FIFA 's willingness to experiment with innovative ideas.

One of the most controversial proposals focuses on managing on-field injuries. Currently, players who require medical attention must leave the pitch and may return once the referee allows. In practice, this often takes only a few seconds, which critics argue allows players to exploit the rule to disrupt the flow of the game.

Under the proposed rule, any player receiving treatment would be required to remain off the field for at least two minutes after play resumes, leaving their team temporarily shorthanded. FIFA officials believe this adjustment could discourage feigned injuries and help maximize actual playing time, ultimately improving the pace and rhythm of matches.

Importantly, the new rule would not apply in all situations. Players injured from a foul that results in a yellow or red card, as well as goalkeepers, would be exempt from the mandatory absence.

These exceptions aim to maintain fairness while still addressing excessive time-wasting tactics. By targeting only specific scenarios, FIFA hopes to balance competitive integrity with the objective of reducing unnecessary stoppages.

Trial run at the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup

FIFA tested this rule during the 2025 FIFA Arab Cup in Qatar, held from December 1 to December 18. The trial, overseen by Referees Committee chairman Pierluigi Collina, required any player treated on the pitch to remain off for two minutes once play resumed, temporarily leaving their team one player short.

Morocco emerged as the tournament champion after defeating Jordan in the final, but the trial's main focus was on whether the rule effectively discouraged time-wasting rather than determining match outcomes.

Following the conclusion of the Arab Cup, FIFA began analyzing the data to evaluate the rule's impact on "net playing time" and match flow. The findings will be presented to the International Football Association Board (IFAB) in early 2026. IFAB will then decide whether the measure will be officially implemented for the 2026 World Cup.

This initiative is part of FIFA's broader effort to innovate and modernize the game. Alongside the medical-treatment rule, other proposed changes, such as reimagining how offside is called, could further influence the pace and excitement of top-level football.

As the World Cup approaches, these discussions highlight the governing body's ongoing focus on fairness, entertainment, and the integrity of the sport on football's biggest stage.