The FIFA World Cup will feature five-second countdowns for throw-ins and goal kicks as football's lawmakers implement new measures to speed up play. The International Football Association Board (IFAB) is set to approve these changes at its annual general meeting in Wales, building on the success of the eight-second rule for goalkeepers this season.

Referees will have the authority to start a five-second countdown when they believe players are deliberately delaying restarts. Taking longer than five seconds at a throw-in will result in the throw-in being reversed, while delaying a goal kick will lead to a corner being awarded. The IFAB is also considering a 10-second limit on substitutions and a uniform one-minute limit for players to stay off the pitch after stoppages.

The changes aim to maintain game tempo and reduce stoppage time, addressing concerns about player welfare, supporter experience, and broadcaster needs. The new rules will officially become part of the laws of the game from July 1, but could be adopted earlier by competitions like the World Cup, which starts just before the implementation date.