FIFA Considers Two Rule Changes Six Months Ahead of World Cup

It seems like FIFA’s overhaul of the World Cup may not be over quite yet, despite the 2026 tournament being just six months away.

The proposed rule changes would be drastic and could impact leagues around the world. The goal is to improve the product's quality for fans, with the expanded World Cup field expected to draw record-breaking TV and attendance numbers. However, some fear that making such significant changes could have the opposite effect. 

While FIFA has considered and dismissed many proposed changes over the last year, reports suggest these are receiving serious attention.

Wegner Offsides

One of the proposals being considered by FIFA is known as the “Wenger Offsides.” The idea comes from the FIFA Chief of Global Football Development, Arsene Wenger, who believes that a player should be fully past the last defender before being called for offside.

Currently, offside is called if any part of a player is past the last defender. This can be hard to call for officials, though technology now allows us to have a clearer look. Wenger has been pushing the proposal since 2020, and now his work may pay off.

Wenger Offsides has gotten much support from FIFA officials and soccer fans, but some fear the timing is dangerous. Players have been training with these offside rules their entire lives, meaning a change to that will take time for both forwards and defenders to adjust. The result could be a spike in offside calls, leading to a poor product for fans.

Addressing Time-Wasting

The other proposal focuses on addressing a common complaint with fans: time-wasting.

Currently, FIFA has a problem with players feigning injuries to slow play as they are helped off the pitch. The strategy works because injured players can return in a matter of seconds. This can kill momentum and give a struggling team a chance to catch its breath.

To address this problem, FIFA is considering requiring players to leave the field for a minimum of 2 minutes if they are forced off the pitch due to injury. That means their team will have to play a man down to avoid being forced to sub the player out.

Changes Could Add More Controversy For 2026

Making significant rule changes is a risky move for most sports leagues, but not FIFA.

International soccer’s governing body has already stirred controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America. President Gianni Infantino already expanded the tournament to its largest field yet, sent ticket prices skyrocketing, and established cozy ties with the US’s controversial President. 

The changes have angered fans, though they’ll likely still be locked into the tournament this summer. If these rule change proposals are approved and lead to a dip in the quality of play, it could further alienate fans around the globe.