Those who watched the Scotland vs. Japan match on March 28,"Yeah, too many shifts?"Were you surprised that Japan is a country that8 peopleand Scotland, too.seven peoplewas substituted. Junya Ito, who came on in the second half, scored the final goal in the 84th minute, and Japan won 1-0. In fact, this was thanks to a "new rule" that was changed just recently.However, this is a special rule that applies only to exhibition matches. The substitution rules are completely different for the World Cup proper.
Three-line summary of this article
- [Important] The rules for friendly matches and official tournaments are different!
This tournament: up to 5 substitutions / Friendly match: up to 8 (11 by agreement) - Eradication of time-buyingSubstitutions: 10 seconds or less for substitution and 5 seconds or less for goal kicks and throw-ins.
- A significant increase in effective playing time is the goal.: The tempo of the game is dramatically faster.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce several rule changes that will dramatically alter the tempo of matches. FIFA's goal is to increase the average effective playing time from the current approximately 58 minutes to64 minutes or more(Based on multiple media reports, specific numerical targets have not been disclosed in official FIFA documents) to increase it. There are a multitude of bold rule changes to achieve this.
- Comparison of old and new rules - What has changed?
- 📢 Up to 11 substitutions allowed in friendlies...but not in the World Cup!
- ⏱️ "Get off the pitch in under 10 seconds!" The Impact of the Hourglass Rule
- ⛳ Goal kick throw-in also "within 5 seconds"
- Summary: This is how the 2026 World Cup will change
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Comparison of old and new rules - What has changed?
| (data) item | conventional rule | World Cup 2026 New Rules |
|---|---|---|
| Friendly match substitution limit | Max. 6 people | Max. 8 people(11 by agreement) |
| 🔴 World Cup Finals Substitution Rules | Max. 5 people | Max. 5 people +.1 PCS separate quota |
| Time Limit for Alternate Exit | unlimited | Within 10 seconds(1 minute penalty for violation) |
| Goal Kick Throw-in | No clear time limit | five-second rule Under consideration(CK to the other party for violation) |
| Target for effective playing time | Average 58 minutes | 64 minutes or more |
📢 Up to 11 substitutions allowed in friendlies...but not in the World Cup!
🔵 Friendly Match Rules (Max 8 players, 11 by agreement)
On February 28, 2026, at the 140th annual meeting of the IFAB (International Football Council), the substitution rules for friendly matches were significantly revised. In international A-match friendlies, the existing sixMax. 8 peopleThe teams can change up to In addition, if both teams agreeUp to 11 (all of them!)You can take turns.
🇯🇵 8-player substitution for Japan (vs. Scotland, 3/28) Moriyasu Japan made eight substitutions, including at halftime. Junya Ito, who came on midway through the second half, scored the game-winner in the 84th minute. The new rule was a good thing, and Moriyasu made the most of it.
🇨🇭🇩🇪 Germany 4-3 Switzerland (3/27) ─ This was the first international A-match in which Swiss coach Yakin declared that he would "use up all the slots for the World Cup" and the 11-man rotation actually took place. Wirtz (Liverpool) was outstanding with two goals and two assists.
🔴 World Cup Main Tournament Rules (Max 5 people + PCS separate slots)
Up to 5 changes in the main World Cup tournament(3 substitution windows plus half time) is the maximum. One additional substitution due to concussion (PCS) is allowed in a separate window, plusOne additional slot for the opposing team on an equal basis.will be given. One more player can be added if the game goes into overtime. In other words, in the knockout stage extra innings, it may be a battle between "different teams" with about half of the benched players being replaced.
⏱️ "Get off the pitch in under 10 seconds!" The Impact of the Hourglass Rule
⚠️ The following rules apply to both friendly matches and the World Cup finals.
A hot new rule to be introduced from the 2026 World Cup. A player who leaves the pitch as a replacementWithin 10 secondsIf a player does not appear in theCan't pitch for a minute.(10 players play in the meantime) is a time-wasting measure.
Those who will be watching the games on site should pay attention to the Aurora Vision at the stadium. A countdown is displayed, and spectators clap their hands in unison to count. The "walking aimlessly and lazily during the changeover" is now a thing of the past.
⛳ Goal kick throw-in also "within 5 seconds"
Not just the report either. This too.Rules common to friendly matches and the main tournament.
※ Note: The "5-second rule" for goal kicks and throw-ins is a measure that was considered by an IFAB advisory panel and may not have been finalized as an official rule change. What has been officially confirmed is the 8-second limit for goalkeepers to hold the ball (a violation results in a corner kick for the opponent). Please check the latest information from official IFAB/FIFA announcements.
If a referee suspects time-wasting during a goal kick or throw-in, they5-second countdownStart. If you're still late,A goal-kick violation results in a corner kick for the opposing team.、A throw-in violation results in an opponent's throw-in.will be given. It is an immense risk that a defensive restart can quickly turn into a major crisis.
We are no longer going to see teams with a lead kicking goals in the second half in a lazy manner. As a spectator, I welcome the faster tempo of the game.
Summary: This is how the 2026 World Cup will change
To summarize the rule changes introduced in this issue:
- Exhibition MatchMaximum 8 people (11 with consent), substitutions allowed
Substitute player (World Cup finals)Maximum of 5 people + 1 separate slot for PCS (completely different rules than friendly matches) - hourglass rule: Substitutions and exits are limited to 10 seconds. If late, the replacement player cannot enter for one minute.
- Goal Kick Throw-in: 5 sec. countdown with stalling doubt → CK to the opponent.
- FIFA GoalsEffective playing time: 58 minutes to 64 minutes or longer
From the opening match on June 11, you will see a completely different tempo of soccer than ever before. If you are planning to watch the games on site, please experience the excitement of the hourglass countdown!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you don't have tickets yet,April 2 at midnightbeginning withlast-minute saleis the last chance.
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