Compare Rules

FIFA vs NWSL

AFirst Sport

FIFA

Association Football (Soccer)

First Sport

Details

Players11

Settingboth

SeasonIFAB Laws of the Game 2025/26 (in force at FIFA Club World Cup 2025 from 2025-06-14; key changes: goalkeeper 8-second hold rule, corner kick penalty)

CategoryTeam Sports

BSecond Sport

NWSL

Soccer

Second Sport

Details

Players11

Settingoutdoor

Season2026 NWSL Competition Rules & Regulations (single-table single-elimination postseason; Only The Captain rule introduced)

CategoryTeam Sports

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(6)

Concussion Protocol

Different

FIFA

IFAB has established a permanent concussion substitution protocol. If a player is suspected of sustaining a concussion, the team doctor may request that the player be substituted using the additional concussion substitution allowance.

NWSL

NWSL operates under the league's Concussion Management Protocol developed in conjunction with U.S. Soccer and the league medical staff.

Field Markings

Different

FIFA

Center circle: Radius of 9.15 m (10 yards) from the center mark; Penalty area: 16.5 m (18 yards) from each goal post and 16.5 m into the field; Goal area: 5.5 m (6 yards) from each goal post and 5.5 m into the field

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Compare Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(6)

Concussion Protocol

Field Markings

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Section 2: Equipment

Section 5: Rules of Play

Section 6: Scoring

Section 8: Safety Considerations