The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will be the largest in history: 48 teams, 104 matches, 16 cities. But most importantly, FIFA has approved a number of new rules that will fundamentally change the game. They are designed to make football more exciting, fair, and dynamic. We tell you about all the innovations that fans will see.

48 teams and a new playoff format

For the first time in the history of the World Cup, 48 teams are participating. They are divided into 12 groups of 4 teams. 32 teams advance to the playoffs: 12 group winners, 12 teams that finished second, and 8 of the best third-place teams. This means that even a third-place finish in a group can lead to the round of 16. The selection system for third places: points, goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary points. This will keep the drama in the groups until the last minutes. From the round of 16, teams go by the Olympic system. There are a total of 32 playoff matches (16+8+4+2+2? no, let's count: 16 matches in the round of 16, 8 in the quarterfinals, 4 in the semi-finals, 2 in the finals and the third-place match, totaling 32). Players will play up to 8 matches if they reach the final (instead of 7 previously). This is a test of endurance.

Seven substitutions and an expanded squad

FIFA has increased the maximum number of substitutions from five to seven in the first half. Plus, there is an additional substitution in extra time. This means that a coach can use up to eight substitutions per match. The squad has also been expanded: now it includes 26 players (previously 23). However, there are 15 outfield players and 2 goalkeepers on the bench. This allows coaches to rotate the lineup more actively, considering the tight schedule. Also, substitutions are allowed in three windows plus in the break, as before, but with an increased number.

Offside: the Wenger rule

The so-called "Wenger rule" (named after ex-coach Arsene Wenger, now the head of global football development at FIFA) has been adopted. Offside is called only if there is no visible gap between the attacking player and the opponent's defensive line. In other words, if part of the attacker's body (head, torso, legs) that can score is on the same line as the defender, offside is not called. This should stimulate attacking football. Preliminary tests show that the number of goals cancelled due to millimeter offside will decrease by 70%.

New video assistant system: VAR Lite

Instead of the bulky system with video referees in a room, a simplified VAR is now used. Each match is officiated by two video assistants who are right on the stadium. Their task is to check goals, penalties, red cards, and incorrect identification. But the changes: coaches are allowed one challenge (VAR call) per match. If the challenge is successful (the referee's decision was incorrect), the right is retained. If not, the coach loses the ability to call VAR in that match. The challenge can only be used for controversial moments, except for goals. This speeds up the game and reduces the number of unnecessary stops.

Penalties: running shot and goalkeeper dribbling

The new rule: when executing a penalty, the goalkeeper is not required to stand on the line, but cannot move forward until the shot. He is allowed to move along the line, wave his hands, but not step off it. However, the main innovation is that the kicker can touch the ball only once, but a short run with a stop before the shot is allowed. "Dribble penalties" (when a player pauses and shoots when the goalkeeper has already fallen) are prohibited. Such penalties will be canceled. In the penalty shootout after the match, if the score remains tied after five shots, the next shot is taken from the center of the field (like in hockey) - the player starts from the central circle and must score within 8 seconds.

Simulation: yellow card and video review

FIFA has toughened its fight against simulations (diving). If VAR detects a simulation (a fall without contact that led to the award of a free kick or penalty), the player receives a yellow card. For a second simulation in the tournament, there is a one-match suspension. The referee on the field has the right to watch a replay on the monitor and cancel the decision. Also, a team found guilty of mass simulation (3 or more players per match) is fined 10,000 Swiss francs (about 10,000 euros). This should clear the game of theatricality.

Playing time and "actual added time"

Now referees will be stricter in fixing the time when the ball is not in play. The goal is to bring the pure playing time to 60 minutes (now on average 55-58). Stops for substitutions, corners, free kicks, VAR, goalkeepers' exits, and simulations will be added second by second. As a result, added time can reach 8-12 minutes per half. This has already been tested in previous tournaments. Fans will have to be patient, but there will be more football.

Smart ball technology and automatic offside

The ball at the 2026 World Cup is equipped with a sensor that determines the moment of contact and acceleration. This helps the automatic offside system: 10 cameras on the stadium track the position of players and the ball 50 times per second. As soon as offside is detected, a signal is sent to the referee's watch, and the game is stopped. The delay is 2-3 seconds. This is faster than VAR. A backup video review is used in controversial cases.

Yellow cards: reset after the quarterfinals

To avoid missing the final due to a yellow card overload, FIFA has introduced a new rule: cards received in the group stage and the round of 16 are burned after the quarterfinals. That is, before the semi-finals, all players start with a clean slate. The exception is a red card, which results in a suspension for the next match. This will reduce the number of tactical fouls in the playoffs.

The new rules at the 2026 World Cup are aimed at spectacle and fairness. More goals, fewer simulations, fair offside calls, active use of technology. We will see how they affect the stars' play. One thing is clear: it will not be boring.

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