The 2026 World Cup saw plenty of new laws and directives, many of which were designed to speed up each match and improve fan experience both on TV and in stadiums.
With the start of the 2026-27 Premier League season just days away, which World Cup changes will be carried over when Arsenal host Coventry City in the league opener? More importantly, are they going to work?
Jump to: Time Limits | VAR Reviews | Rejected World Cup rules
TIME LIMITS
Andy's verdict: Premier League players already had a 30-second period in which injured players must stay off the field. Doubling that amount of time doesn't feel necessary to me -- or to Premier League clubs and refs. The 30-second rule worked well last season: There was a 70% decline in the number of times players were treated by medical staff on the pitch, which slows the game down. Unfortunately, this is a law change by IFAB -- the international referees group -- which means the Premier League has no option but to introduce it. One minute is a long time in football, and having a numerical disadvantage for this period could have an impact on a key moment in a game.
Andy's verdict: This rule was brought in for the World Cup and was a great success. The five-second countdown only begins once a referee feels the player is taking too long -- not when they first pick up the ball -- so some referee discretion is applied. I expect this to have a similarly positive impact on the Premier League.
Andy's verdict: The punishment fits the crime here.: If a player exceeds the time limit, then the player replacing them cannot come on until the first stoppage in play or after one minute has passed, whichever comes first. The rule means an end to the managed exits from the pitch that are so frustrating for everyone involved. A word of caution, though: I expect that referees will be relatively lenient; if the player is moving towards a touchline, I think they will be comfortable even if the clock tips over 10 seconds.
VAR CHANGES
VAR reviews will now be conducted whens second-yellow cards are incorrectly shown. Mike Hewitt/Getty Images VAR reviews when second yellow cards are shown Andy's verdict: This is a sensible and important addition to the VAR protocol. We are unlikely to see this used too often. These errors are actually very rare. However, when a second yellow card is shown incorrectly, it has the same impact on a match as a straight red card. The use of a video replay can help correct that. Remember this, though: Second yellow cards will only be reviewed for factual correctness -- for example, if a player receives a second yellow card for a trip and there clearly is no trip. It will not be used for any subjective decisions, or where there is any judgement to be made.