A new rule targeting blocking at set pieces, widely dubbed the ‘anti-Arsenal law’, is set to be enforced at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a goal scored by England used as a direct case study for the kind of play officials are targeting. The rule, developed by FIFA and IFAB, will come into force at the World Cup and across all major leagues from the start of July.
Set pieces have become a defining feature of modern football, particularly in the Premier League. The new law addresses players who obstruct or prevent opponents from playing the ball at free kicks and corners. Borrowed from basketball, it prohibits players from acting as deliberate blockers, and crucially, penalties can be applied before the ball is even kicked.
Ben White‘s goal for England against Uruguay in the sides’ March friendly was cited as the clearest example of what will now be outlawed. Adam Wharton and Harvey Barnes were identified as blocking defenders from the corner, rendering the goal one that would have been disallowed under the incoming rule.
The law is expected to have a direct impact on Arsenal, whose physical approach to set pieces produced 25 Premier League goals from dead-ball situations this season, drawing significant scrutiny from officials and rivals alike.
Mouth-Covering Now a Red Card Offence
Players who cover their mouths with a hand, arm, or shirt during a confrontation will be issued a red card. The rule follows the alleged racism controversy involving Benfica‘s Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Jr, an incident Prestianni denied. The rule does carry a distinction: players covering their mouths during a casual or friendly conversation will not face disciplinary action.
Teams That Walk Off Face Forfeit
Any player who leaves the field to protest a refereeing decision will receive a red card. If an entire team exits the pitch in protest, as occurred with Senegal in the Africa Cup of Nations final, the match will be awarded to their opponents.
Time Limits on Substitutions and Restarts
Substitutions now carry a stricter time frame. Players being replaced have 10 seconds to leave the field; failure to comply means the incoming substitute can only enter at the first stoppage after a full minute of play has elapsed. For goal kicks and throw-ins, teams have five seconds to return the ball to play, with referees signalling this visually. Failure results in possession being handed to the opposition via a corner or throw-in respectively.
Teams are also prohibited from using a timeout with coaching staff while a goalkeeper is receiving on-field treatment for an injury. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11. Follow TipsGG for full tournament coverage, match previews, and betting analysis.