FIFA 2026 World Cup: New Rules Change Set Pieces

FIFA has announced major rule changes for the 2026 World Cup, including new penalties for obstructing set pieces and a ban on covering mouths. These changes aim to improve fairness and speed up the game.
By Newsroom | Football, Sports Regulations |

New Regulations Target Obstruction and Time-Wasting, with VAR Gaining Expanded Authority

FIFA, in conjunction with the International Football Association Board (IFAB), is set to implement a series of significant rule changes for the upcoming 2026 World Cup, beginning June 11. Among the most prominent is a regulation nicknamed the "'anti-Arsenal law'," aimed at penalizing players who obstruct opponents during free kicks and corner kicks. This move signals a deliberate effort to curb perceived tactical obstruction at set-piece situations, an area where certain Premier League sides, notably Arsenal, have found particular success. The rule explicitly targets players acting as 'blockers' to prevent opponents from engaging with the ball.

The implementation of this new rule extends to enhanced VAR (Video Assistant Referee) capabilities. VAR will now be empowered to intervene in obstruction incidents that occur before the ball is in play, effectively broadening its scope to police set-piece scenarios more aggressively. This expanded authority represents the seventh category of intervention for VAR, underscoring FIFA's intention for tighter control over these phases of the game.

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Beyond the controversial "'anti-Arsenal law'," several other adjustments are slated to take effect across all competitions starting July 1. These include:

  • Mouth Covering Ban: Players who cover their mouths during confrontations or conversations will face disciplinary action, potentially including a red card, unless the covering is during purportedly 'friendly' discussions. This measure is framed as a tool to combat discrimination.

  • One-Minute Injury Rule: Any outfield player requiring on-pitch medical attention must leave the field and wait a full minute after play restarts before being allowed to return. Goalkeepers are exempt from this waiting period.

  • Five-Second Countdown: To combat time-wasting, referees will enforce a strict five-second limit for throw-ins and goal kicks, utilizing a visual raised-hand countdown.

  • Protest Sanctions: Managers and players walking off the pitch in protest of referee decisions will face automatic red cards. Teams responsible for abandoning a match will forfeit.

  • VAR for Second Yellows: VAR can now intervene in cases of incorrectly awarded second yellow cards, though it cannot recommend the awarding of a second yellow that would lead to a red card.

  • Hydration Breaks: Each half of play will include a three-minute hydration break, the timing of which is at the referee's discretion.

The origins of the "'anti-Arsenal law'" are reportedly rooted in tactical approaches observed in the Premier League, where teams have leveraged physical positioning and blocking on set pieces to great effect. Arsenal, in particular, has been highlighted for scoring a significant number of goals from set-play situations, excluding penalties, in the English top flight. The speed at which this rule is being introduced, with the World Cup on the horizon, has drawn commentary and speculation, with some sources noting England's national team being singled out as a case study in the initial discussions.

The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 11, with co-hosts Mexico facing South Africa in the opening match. This set of rule changes represents one of the most substantial overhauls in recent footballing history, indicating a concerted effort by governing bodies to alter the tempo, fairness, and indeed, the tactical landscape of the modern game.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the new FIFA rules for the 2026 World Cup?
FIFA is changing rules for the 2026 World Cup, starting June 11. New rules target players blocking opponents at free kicks and corners, ban covering mouths, enforce a one-minute wait for injured players to return, and limit time-wasting on throw-ins and goal kicks.
Q: How will the new rules affect set pieces at the 2026 World Cup?
A new rule, called the 'anti-Arsenal law,' will penalize players who block opponents during free kicks and corner kicks. VAR will also watch for obstructions before the ball is in play.
Q: What is the 'one-minute injury rule' in the new FIFA regulations?
If an outfield player gets hurt and needs on-field medical help, they must leave the field and wait one full minute after play restarts before they can come back in. Goalkeepers do not have to wait.
Q: How will FIFA stop time-wasting with the new rules?
Referees will use a visible countdown to enforce a strict five-second limit for throw-ins and goal kicks. Also, managers and players who walk off the pitch to protest will get red cards, and teams that stop a match will forfeit.