FIFA has introduced several new rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with some of the proposed changes expected to be adopted by domestic leagues around the world from next season. If implemented, one of them could have an impact on Arsenal.
The Gunners have established themselves as one of the top teams in world football under Mikel Arteta, and one of their greatest strengths has been their effectiveness from set pieces, particularly corners.
Arsenal have often been criticised by opponents for using blockers during corner routines, with players positioning themselves around goalkeepers and defenders to create space for teammates. While officials have occasionally penalised the tactic, the Gunners have generally executed it within the limits of the current laws and enjoyed considerable success as a result.
Potential impact on Arsenal’s set pieces
As a consequence, Arsenal remain one of the most feared teams in Europe when it comes to attacking set pieces, regularly turning corners into goalscoring opportunities.
The club’s work in this area has become a major feature of their success, with carefully designed routines helping them create advantages against some of the strongest teams in the game.
According to the Daily Mail, FIFA will trial a stricter interpretation of blocking during the 2026 World Cup. Under the proposed guidelines, players who deliberately impede opponents or obstruct goalkeepers during set-piece situations could be penalised more consistently.
Rule changes could alter routines
If the changes are approved and rolled out globally after the tournament, Arsenal may need to adjust certain aspects of their corner routines to ensure they remain compliant with the updated regulations.
The Gunners have shown an ability to adapt tactically under Arteta, and any changes to the laws would likely lead to refinements rather than a complete overhaul of their approach from dead-ball situations.
Maintaining effectiveness while operating within revised regulations would become a priority, particularly given the importance of set pieces to Arsenal’s attacking play. The club will be monitoring developments closely as the trials take place, with any permanent changes potentially influencing how teams across world football approach corners and other attacking set-piece situations in the future.
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And this new anti-blocking rule can also take place while the ball is dead, which will definitely affect Arsenal.
And lots of other teams too, we may have started the trend but most teams are now doing it.
The laws of the game should always be strictly applied as much as possible. So now the refs will apply the laws 40% of the time instead of 27.5% of the time? The judgment of what has occurred on a play should not change because FIFA deems more or less (but not ALL) infractions should be punished. So now VAR will have the task to second guess even more? If any change in judgment is done using video it should be done by the pitch ref only and not by another official sitting in a booth somewhere.
Something has to be done to deter the mass infringements which are taking place at virtually every corner kick and ruining the game..I am sure most reasonably minded fans would prefer Arsenal to win matches without having to depend on set piece goals aided by any dark art tactics.It will be very interesting to see how referees react in the face of the new FIFA directives.
You should have contacted how Nicola Jover view the new rule. He has enough time in the summer to devising new means to circumvent even the new rule.
It makes me laugh when its alleged that Arsenal started these routines from corners. They haven’t, bumping and barging and holding have been going on for years. It’s nothing new, but for some reason people want to pin it on Arsenal.
For me personally, I’m glad that somethings finally being done. I was starting to get fed up with watching football become a WWF, at every corner. If these new rules work, then I’m all for them.
Derek, I agree this has been going on as long as I can remember. The wrestling in the box should be addressed but the thing is, these are not new rules, just an edict to apply them more often. Without new rules, this just kicks the situation down the road (and appeases Arsenal detractors) as is so often the case with the governing bodies. The benefit will continue to be seen as being worth getting punished (whether there has been an infraction or not) at whatever frequency. It will always come down to judgment on the part of the ref and scoring or preventing a goal is too important to not risk that judgment going against you. FIFA is just acting like it is addressing the situation when it really isn’t.
Bruised Banana,
Well said, points well made. 👍