When a player gets hurt, do they have to come off the field?

Usually, yes. New for 2026-27 (Law 5): an outfield player has to leave the field and stay off for one minute of running clock after play restarts if any of these happen:

• play is stopped for their actual or suspected injury
• the referee waves medical staff onto the field
• the referee asks if they need on-field attention and they say yes

Players can't be treated on the field, except for a serious injury. They can return only with the referee's permission: from the touchline if the ball is in play, or from any boundary line if it isn't. If a half ends before the minute is up, they can return at the start of the next period. You can still substitute the injured player without delay.

Exceptions (the player doesn't have to leave):

• a goalkeeper is injured
• a goalkeeper and an outfield player collide, or two teammates collide
• a severe injury, especially a head injury, cardiac issue or seizure
• the injury came from a foul for which the opponent was cautioned or sent off
• a penalty kick has been awarded and the injured player is taking it
• the player says they don't need attention (unless play was stopped for the injury), or leaves the field by themselves without delaying the restart