The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the USA, and Canada, is set to be a landmark event, but it comes with a slate of significant new rule changes introduced by FIFA. These regulations, which will be implemented starting in June, primarily aim to curb time-wasting, a frequent complaint in modern football.

Among the notable changes already seen this season is an eight-second countdown for goalkeepers holding the ball. Looking ahead to the World Cup, FIFA is introducing strictly allotted times for substitutions, throw-ins, and medical treatments. Furthermore, the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been expanded to include yellow card and corner-kick decisions, broadening its impact on gameplay.

However, these updates have not been met with universal approval from players. Super Falcons star and six-time CAF Women's Player of the Year, Asisat Oshoala, has expressed strong dissatisfaction, particularly with the new medical treatment protocol. This rule mandates that any player receiving treatment on the pitch must remain sidelined for 60 seconds before being allowed to re-enter play.

FIFA's rationale behind this 60-second penalty is to discourage players from feigning injuries to waste time, believing that the forced minute off the pitch will make them reconsider unnecessary stoppages. Yet, Oshoala argues that this rule lacks fundamental logic. She highlighted on Instagram that players who are genuinely fouled and require medical attention will still be penalized, losing a crucial minute of play and leaving their team temporarily at a disadvantage. Her frustration was succinctly captured in her post: “This is crazy, because how do I get fouled and then still get to lose a minute? Come on guys.”

As these new regulations take effect, many players are likely to echo Oshoala's concerns. The true efficacy and impact of these rules will only be determined once they are tested on the global stage this summer. If they prove more disruptive than beneficial, further adjustments are anticipated.