England's Arsenal contingent face a World Cup nightmare with one of the new nine rules set to take hold at the 2026 edition when it kicks off on Thursday
11:55, 08 Jun 2026
Arsenal's corner tactics won't be allowed at the World Cup
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Arsenal's corner tactics won't be allowed at the World Cup(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal wrestled and grappled their way to a first Premier League title in 22 years - but that approach could now land their stars in hot water when playing for England after FIFA's latest crackdown.
The Three Lions' Arsenal contingent are set to link up the rest of the Three Lions squad - who roar into action against Croatia on June 17. However, any hopes of using their infamous set-piece tactics when Declan Rice stands over a free kick or Bukayo Saka at a corner on the international stage have been dashed.
FIFA's refereeing chief Pierluigi Collina said England’s goal in their 1-1 friendly draw against Uruguay earlier this year would have not counted if it had happened at the World Cup. It saw Arsenal and England star Ben White prod home after Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton ran into Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez to block him.
Thomas Tuchel, Manager of England, looks on after his sides victory during the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
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Arsenal's players are set to link up with Thomas Tuchel's England(Image: Getty Images)
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"The incident at Wembley was very serious. The ball was not in play and there was a clear foul committed by an illegal block against the defender," Collina said.
“That block was the only projected threat preventing the defender from being able to defend on his opponent.
“This happens a lot when defenders mark man to man and attackers try to create space but we are convinced that this goal cannot stand. It is completely unfair.”
Pierluigi Collina, Chairman of the FIFA Referees Committee, speaks during the 76th FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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Pierluigi Collina referenced England in the new rules(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
However, that isn't the only new rule that will be enforced when the festival of football kicks off on Thursday.
Outfield players will now be banned from making their way to the technical area when goalkeepers are receiving treatment - ending so-called 'tactical time-outs'. While there will now be five-second countdowns for goal-kicks and throw-ins.
In another attempt to cut out of time wasting, substitutes will have to take place in ten seconds or there will be a one-minute entry delay.
England manager Thomas Tuchel and vice-captain Declan Rice
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England manager Thomas Tuchel and vice-captain, Arsenal star Declan Rice
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Players that receive treatment will now have to go off the field for one minute while there will be three-minute hydration breaks during each half to account for the heat.
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VAR can now intervene over fouls before the ball is in play for goals, penalties and disciplinary sanctions and can correct wrongly-awarded yellow cards and corners.
Referees have been instructed to issue red cards for players covering their mouths and for walking off the pitch in protest.