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FIFA Considers Major Rule Changes Before 2026 World Cup

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, December 29th 2025 at 19:57 GMT by World Soccer Talk

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FIFA Mulling Major Rule Changes Ahead of 2026 World Cup: Wenger’s Offside Rule Among Possibilities

The landscape of football could be on the verge of significant change as FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hinted at a comprehensive review and potential overhaul of several key rules, with changes potentially implemented before the 2026 World Cup. Infantino's comments, delivered during a recent interview, suggest a willingness to revisit established norms in an effort to improve the game’s flow, reduce time-wasting, and address ongoing controversies surrounding officiating decisions. The most talked-about prospect? A potential return of a modified version of Arsène Wenger’s long-proposed offside rule.

The impetus for this review stems from growing concerns within FIFA about the increasingly cynical tactics employed by some teams to disrupt play and secure results. Time-wasting, particularly in crucial moments of matches, has become a persistent problem, frustrating fans and impacting the overall entertainment value of games. Furthermore, the increasing scrutiny surrounding VAR (Video Assistant Referee) decisions – often revolving around incredibly tight offside calls – continues to fuel debate about the fairness and consistency of officiating.

Infantino’s remarks were deliberately vague, stating that FIFA is “looking at everything” and considering changes to "many" rules. He emphasized a desire for football to be more attacking, dynamic, and enjoyable for spectators. While he didn't explicitly confirm which specific rules are under consideration, the mention of Wenger’s offside proposal immediately captured attention within the footballing world.

The Wenger Offside Rule: A Brief Recap

For years, former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger has championed a modified offside rule that would eliminate the current system where an attacker is deemed offside if any part of their body (excluding hands and arms) is beyond the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is played. Wenger’s proposal dictates that a player would only be called offside if they are in a clear goalscoring position when the pass is made. This means an attacker could be standing further forward than the last defender without being penalized, as long as they aren't directly threatening to score.

The rationale behind Wenger’s idea is twofold: firstly, it aims to reduce the number of marginal offside calls that often halt promising attacks and lead to frustration for players and fans alike. Secondly, it encourages more attacking play by allowing attackers greater freedom of movement without fear of being penalized for minor positional infringements. As detailed in a 2019 article on FIFA’s website, Wenger's proposal was initially met with resistance but has gained traction over time as the complexities of VAR have highlighted the challenges inherent in applying the current offside rule consistently.

Beyond Offside: Other Potential Rule Changes

While the offside rule is generating the most buzz, Infantino’s comments suggest a broader review encompassing other areas of the game. Several potential changes are being considered, including:

• Time-Wasting: FIFA is actively exploring measures to combat time-wasting, which has become increasingly prevalent at all levels of the game. This could involve stricter enforcement of existing rules regarding substitutions and goal kicks, or even introducing new mechanisms like a timer for set pieces. The article references discussions around potentially giving referees the power to add more time onto matches beyond what is currently added based on stoppages.
• VAR Implementation: While VAR has been intended to improve accuracy, its inconsistent application and lengthy review periods have drawn criticism. FIFA may consider adjustments to the protocol to streamline the process and reduce delays. This could involve clarifying when reviews are necessary or empowering referees to make more decisions without relying solely on VAR recommendations. The ongoing debate about whether VAR should be used to overturn clear and obvious errors, as originally intended, is likely part of this discussion.
• Free Kicks: There's been talk within footballing circles about potentially moving free kicks forward if the defending team doesn’t retreat sufficiently, aiming to create more goal-scoring opportunities.
• The Number of Substitutions: With the expanded 2026 World Cup format (48 teams), concerns have arisen regarding player fatigue and potential for increased injuries. Adjustments to the number of substitutions allowed per match are a possibility.

Challenges and Considerations

Implementing these changes won't be straightforward. Any alteration to fundamental rules requires careful consideration and extensive consultation with stakeholders, including players, coaches, referees, and governing bodies across different nations. The International Football Association Board (IFAB), which is responsible for approving rule changes, will play a crucial role in the process. Furthermore, any new rules must be thoroughly tested and trialed to ensure they achieve their intended objectives without unintended consequences.

The prospect of revisiting the offside rule, in particular, is likely to spark intense debate. While many welcome the potential for more attacking football, others fear that it could lead to defensive teams gaining an unfair advantage or create confusion among players and referees. The success of any changes will depend on clear communication, consistent application, and a willingness to adapt based on feedback from those involved in the game.

Looking Ahead to 2026

With the expanded 2026 World Cup looming, FIFA is under pressure to address these issues and ensure that the tournament provides an engaging and fair experience for all. Infantino’s hints at rule changes signal a commitment to evolving the game and addressing concerns raised by players, coaches, and fans alike. While the specifics of any implemented changes remain uncertain, one thing is clear: football's rules are not set in stone and are subject to ongoing review and refinement as the sport continues to evolve. The next few years will be crucial in shaping the future of the beautiful game.

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