Collina Reflects At Refereeing At FIFA World Cup 2026 So Far
By Pierluigi Collina, FIFA Chief Refereeing Officer and Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee
FIFA’s new measures to combat time-wasting have made an immediate impact at the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with officials reporting more ball-in-play time, fewer injuries, and strong compliance from players and coaches. The changes, introduced before the tournament, set strict limits on goal kicks, throw-ins, substitutions, and injury stoppages to keep the game flowing.
The key changes have been a five-second limit to take goal kicks and throw-ins, a ten-second limit for substituted players to leave the pitch, and a one-minute period off the field after treatment for an injury. According to Collina, these innovations have been “very effective and unanimously considered as very positive.” The rules were explained in detail to coaches and players during a pre-tournament workshop and online team meetings, while the media also received briefings to ensure the whole football community understood them.
Compliance has been high across the 72 group stage matches. Only one substituted player failed to meet the ten-second exit rule, while many others were seen sprinting to the touchline even when their team was leading. Goalkeepers exceeded the five-second limit on goal kicks four times, resulting in corners for the opposition, and throw-ins were turned over 11 times for the same reason. Discipline has also improved. There have been just two cautions for dissent for players and two for coaches so far, with only 10 red cards issued in total, six of which were for denying an obvious goal-scoring opportunity. Perhaps most notably, the number of player injuries has “dramatically decreased” with very few medical interventions required.
Referees were also given clearer guidance on game tempo and physical challenges. They were told not to punish normal football contact, but to be alert to attacking players who deliberately block defenders without contesting the ball, particularly to obstruct goalkeepers. Collina said coaches and players were warned in advance, “so it should come as no surprise that referees will punish these fouls,” with VAR involved when needed.
Overall, FIFA says the World Cup 2026 changes are achieving their aim: less time lost, faster restarts, and a cleaner, safer game. With the group stage complete, Collina’s assessment is that the new rules have been well respected and are delivering the intended effect.