Japan scored a late winner against Iceland after Iceland’s substitute failed to enter the field in time under new World Cup substitution rules.
Under changes introduced by the International Football Association Board (Ifab) for the 2026 World Cup, players must leave the field within 10 seconds when substituted. Failure to comply means the substitute cannot enter for at least one minute, forcing the team to play with 10 players. During Japan’s friendly against Iceland, substitute Isak Thorvaldsson was unable to come on after the allotted time, leaving Iceland short-handed. Koki Ogawa then scored in the 87th minute with a header to secure a 1-0 victory for Japan.
Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu highlighted the importance of adapting to the new substitution rule after the match. 'I thought the players handled the new rule adjustments today with almost no issues,' Moriyasu said. 'Under the new rules, players won’t necessarily be able to get back on the pitch as quickly as before. That’s something we need to be mindful of.' He stressed avoiding mistakes that could create openings for opponents during substitutions or other moments. Moriyasu also emphasized the need for clear tactical communication during the new three-minute hydration breaks introduced this summer.
Japan will open their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on Sunday, 14 June 2026, at 21:00 BST. They will face Tunisia and Sweden in their group stage matches. The team is aiming to reach the quarter-finals of the men’s World Cup for the first time in their history.
The 2026 World Cup introduces several new rules to reduce time-wasting and speed up play. All stoppage time is expected to be shorter than at the 2022 World Cup, though three-minute hydration breaks remain mandatory in each half. Additional changes include a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal-kicks if players deliberately delay restarts. Players receiving off-field treatment must stay off for 60 seconds, with exceptions for goalkeepers, injuries, or if the opponent is booked or sent off. Covering the mouth in confrontational situations may result in a red card.
The Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system has also seen adjustments for the 2026 World Cup. Referees can now quickly confirm if a corner was correctly awarded before the restart, provided the review is done promptly. Additionally, players sent off for two yellow cards may have the second booking reviewed, though potential second yellows cannot be challenged. FIFA referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina hopes these changes will reduce excessive stoppage time.