Arsenal's England stars are facing a World Cup nightmare as FIFA introduces nine rule changes for the 2026 edition, which kicks off on Thursday. The Gunners' controversial set-piece tactics, which helped them secure their first Premier League title in 22 years, will no longer be allowed on the international stage.
Set-Piece Tactics Banned
England's Arsenal contingent, including Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, will have to abandon their infamous corner and free-kick routines. FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina confirmed that a goal scored by Ben White in a friendly against Uruguay would have been disallowed under the new rules. White scored after Adam Wharton blocked Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez, a move Collina described as 'a clear foul' and 'completely unfair.'
Other Key Rule Changes
Outfield players are now banned from approaching the technical area when goalkeepers receive treatment, ending 'tactical time-outs.' Goal-kicks and throw-ins will have a five-second countdown, and substitutes must be completed within ten seconds or face a one-minute delay. Players receiving treatment must leave the field for one minute, while three-minute hydration breaks will be allowed each half.
VAR can now intervene for fouls before the ball is in play for goals, penalties, and disciplinary actions, and can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners. Referees have been instructed to issue red cards for players covering their mouths or walking off the pitch in protest.
England, managed by Thomas Tuchel, begin their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17. The new rules aim to reduce time-wasting and improve fairness, but Arsenal's stars will need to adapt quickly.
