What are the changes to the offside rule that are coming in 2026

The global keeper of the laws of football, International Football Association Board (IFAB), is preparing a potential shake-up to the offside rule. It comes with changes that could start to see the light in 2026. And as always, make sure to start safe online sports betting at 1xBet on everything related to the rules of football too.

The most significant proposal under consideration would redefine when an attacking player is judged offside. Under the current rule, a player is offside if any part of their body, except arms and hands, is closer to the opponent’s goal-line than both the ball and the 2nd-last defender at the moment the ball is played. With 1xBet it is possible to start safe sports betting online on different things that happen in matches of this sport.

The “Wenger Law,” championed by Arsène Wenger, would require the entire body (excluding arms) to be ahead of the 2nd-last defender to be offside. If any part remains level with the defender, the attacker would be considered onside.

In simpler terms: marginal offsides, sometimes decided by millimetres, would disappear. This is meant to reward subtle attacking movement and increase goal-scoring opportunities.

Other subtle changes

While full adoption of the “Wenger Law” still depends on further review and likely trials, IFAB has already implemented more modest, but still important, changes effective in 2025/26. If you enjoy football, the linebet 1xBet will take your enjoyment to the next level.

A few aspects to consider are:

● when the goalkeeper throws the ball, the moment of “last point of contact” — not first — will be used to assess offside;

● that removes ambiguity in quick throws, where previous split-second differences could cause controversial offside flags;

● also, IFAB will identify competitions where trials can be held, potentially paving the way for the “Wenger Law” to appear first in selected tournaments.

The 1xBet platform also has a linebet that can be used for many football matches too.

Making the final adjustments

The “Wenger Law” remains under study. According to recent reports, IFAB plans to debate it formally at its March 2026 annual meeting. If approved, it could be implemented gradually, possibly debuting in major tournaments such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. And remember to always enjoy your betting on football at 1xBet on this competition once its exciting matches begin.

The goal of all of this is to make football more attacking, reduce controversy over millimetric offsides, and give strikers more freedom. All of this without fundamentally altering the sport’s balance or integrity. You can definitely enjoy your betting on many football matches with 1xBet too.