13 new FIFA rules shaping England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina

FIFA has implemented 13 new regulations for World Cup 2026 as England prepare to face Argentina in Wednesday’s semi-final, with Thomas Tuchel’s side one win away from their first World Cup final appearance since 1966.

The expanded 48-team tournament has brought a raft of changes to how matches are played and administered. Spain’s 2-0 victory over France in Tuesday’s first semi-final was played under the same rules, with the reigning European champions booking their place in Sunday’s final.

Tournament structure

The most visible structural change is the introduction of mandatory three-minute hydration breaks at the midway point of each half. Previously, these were only enforced when temperatures exceeded 32 degrees Celsius. In the group stage, head-to-head results were also prioritised over goal difference as a tiebreaker when teams finished level on points.

An early adjustment was made after Tuchel complained about being surrounded by photographers during the national anthem before England’s opening game against Croatia. FIFA subsequently allowed coaching staff to leave their dugouts and stand alongside photographers for a clear view during pre-match anthems.

Time-wasting measures

Several rules targeting time-wasting have been applied at a World Cup for the first time. Goalkeepers now have eight seconds — up from six — to restart play after holding the ball unchallenged. Exceeding that limit now results in a corner to the opposition, replacing the previous punishment of an indirect free-kick.

Goalkeepers who delay a goal kick by more than five seconds also concede a corner. Outfield players have five seconds to complete a throw-in once a referee activates a countdown; failure to do so hands possession to the opposing team.

Substituted players must exit the pitch at the nearest point within 10 seconds. If they fail to do so, their replacement is barred from entering the field for at least one minute. To prevent abuse of medical timeouts, players who receive on-pitch treatment are required to remain off the pitch for a minimum of 60 seconds before returning.