World Cup 2026: FIFA to implement new 'anti-Arsenal' rule

FIFA is introducing new rules for the 2026 World Cup, with VAR intervening in many set-piece situations, which Arsenal has turned into a special weapon.

A landmark regulation

The World Football Federation (FIFA) and the International Football Association Board (IFAB) have been working urgently to implement a new, recently officially approved VAR system for the 2026 World Cup .

This rule stems from a familiar concept in basketball: screen-blocking plays aimed at creating space for teammates.

FIFA will implement new VAR regulations at the 2026 World Cup. Photo: FIFA

The goal is to prevent situations where attacking players intentionally obstruct or neutralize the opponent's defensive capabilities during free kicks and corner kicks.

Actions similar to those in basketball, where a player stands in the way to allow a teammate to escape defense, will no longer be permitted in soccer.

Furthermore, VAR can review tackles that occur during movement before a shot is taken, even if the ball hasn't been put into play yet.

If a defender is disqualified from defending due to a foul that occurs before a free kick or corner kick is taken, the subsequent goal will be disallowed.

This means that a foul can still be penalized even if it occurs before the ball is kicked. This will become the seventh instance where VAR has been allowed to intervene.

Previously, VAR was only applied to four traditional situations: penalties, direct red cards, goals, and misidentification of a player.

Recently, FIFA added two new cases: a second yellow card leading to a red card, and corner kick decisions.

The "anti-Arsenal" law

These changes will be implemented immediately at the World Cup and officially take effect worldwide from July 1st – the start of the summer transfer window and the new season .

VAR will have the authority to review second yellow cards that lead to dismissals; if it determines that it was a clear refereeing error, the penalty may be overturned.

The new regulations will affect Arsenal in the upcoming season. Photo: PL

Similarly, corner kicks can also be overturned if the VAR team detects a clear foul during a quick review process that takes place from the moment the referee blows the whistle until the players prepare to take the corner kick.

In addition, there's the introduction of new rules against defensive fouls. Teams known for their aggressive and sophisticated set-piece tactics, such as Arsenal in the Premier League, will have to be especially careful.

Therefore, experts are calling this new rule the "anti-Arsenal" rule – the team scored around 20 goals from set pieces last season, with 16 of them coming from corner kicks.

FIFA does not want corner kicks and free kicks to become a "wildlife" where any behavior is acceptable.

The goal of the world's most powerful football governing body is to ensure that set pieces are played more fairly, limiting the exploitation of loopholes in the rules to gain an unfair advantage.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/world-cup-2026-fifa-ap-dung-luat-moi-chong-arsenal-2521820.html