Compare Rules

NWSL vs FIFA

AFirst Sport

NWSL

Soccer

First Sport

Details

Players11

Settingoutdoor

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

CategoryTeam Sports

BSecond Sport

FIFA

Association Football (Soccer)

Second 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

Shared Topics

Different Rules

Shared Rules

Rule-by-Rule Comparison(6)

Concussion Protocol

Different

NWSL

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

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.

Field Markings

Different

NWSL

Touchlines (sidelines) and goal lines bound the field; Halfway line with a centre mark and a 9.15 m centre circle; Goal area (5.5 m × 18.32 m) and penalty area (16.5 m × 40.32 m) at each end

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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