Bosnia-Herzegovina's defender #05 Sead Kolasinac. | Photo Credit: AFP

During the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, a throw-in was awarded to Canada after Bosnia failed to restart play within the allotted time under the tournament’s new laws.

In the second half, Bosnia earned a throw-in, but captain Sead Kolasinac delayed taking it. Referee Facundo Tello then signalled a five-second countdown and, when the ball was not put back into play in time, awarded the throw-in to Canada.

READ | FIFA World Cup 2026: New rules, law changes explained

Under a new rule introduced for the World Cup, referees will begin a visible five-second countdown with a raised hand if a player delays a throw-in. If the restart is not taken before the countdown expires, possession is handed to the opposing team.

The change is one of several amendments introduced by the International Football Association Board (IFAB) ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Published on Jun 13, 2026