FIFA Suffer Setback Ahead of 2026 World Cup as Rule Change 'Blocked'

UEFA and the four British associations could effectively block an ambitious rule change from being implemented at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In recent years, the introduction of tools such as Goal Line Technology has significantly impacted global football, while VAR’s usage is still something debated by players, coaches, and fans following its introduction to the Premier League at the start of the 2019/20 season.

And as the world evolves with technology, sport is aiming to do the same.

In 2025, FIFA president Gianni Infantino made it clear that the body was “constantly reviewing the Laws of the Game” with the intention of making football “more attacking and attractive”.

One particular topic that has caused debate since the introduction of VAR is the offside law.

And former Arsenal head coach Arsene Wenger, who is FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, put forward the ‘daylight offside law’ and believes that if "any part of your body is on the same line as the defender, you're not offside".

Arsene Wenger is a fan of the 'daylight rule' (Credit:Getty)

This would mean there would need to be a complete gap between the attacker and the second-to-last opposition player.

In theory, this would stop the marginal offside calls that supporters see weekly and also favour attackers.

Trials of the proposed rule have already taken place in youth competitions, with FIFA reportedly hoping that it would be implemented at the 2026 World Cup, which will take place across Mexico, Canada, and the US.

However, UEFA - European football’s governing body - and the four British associations - appear to have other ideas.

As reported by the Times, ahead of trials of the ‘daylight rule’ in February of 2026, sources have told the outlet that four British associations who sit on the Ifab – football’s lawmakers – believe the idea is too drastic and would have too big of an impact on how the game is played meaning defenders would possibly be made to sit much deeper.

The Times also claimed that the British associations have UEFA’s support and are expected to suggest a compromise where a player would be deemed offside if any part of their torso is ahead of the defender.

But their feet, legs, and head would not be measured.

FIFA controls four votes, while the four British associations — England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland — each hold one.

To pass a change in rules, six of eight votes are required, which would be unlikely given UEFA and the respective British associations’ stance. As a result, Wenger’s proposal may be blocked.

Speaking in Dubai in December of 2025, FIFA boss Infantino suggested a change to the offside rule could make the game more exciting.

“We are considering the offside rule, which has evolved over the years and currently requires the attacker to be behind the defender, level with him,” he said. “Perhaps in the future the attacker would have to be completely ahead to be considered offside.”