The International Football Federation (FIFA) is discussing the adoption of a new version of the offside rule before the start of the 2026 World Cup, Cardena SER reported.
According to the current procedure, an out-of-game situation is recorded if any part of the attacker's scoring body is ahead of the last two defenders (including the goalkeeper) during the pass.
However, FIFA is considering a proposal to ease this rule. At the suggestion of former Arsenal manager and current head of FIFA's global football development department, Arsene Wenger, a striker is not considered offside if at least part of his body is on or behind the last defender.
This proposal is currently being studied by the Council of International Football Associations (IFAB). Voting on the issue of changing the rule is scheduled for March 1, 2026.
The 2026 World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. For the first time, 48 national teams will participate in the competition.
Officials believe that if Wenger's proposal is implemented, attacking football will gain momentum, and the number of controversial offside decisions will decrease significantly.
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