Thomas Tuchel’s plans to use set-pieces as a key weapon at this summer’s World Cup could be undermined by a major FIFA crackdown on grappling inside the penalty area.
Referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has unveiled a series of new measures ahead of the tournament in the United States, with officials set to take a far tougher stance on blocking, holding and wrestling before corners and free-kicks.
The move is one of several significant rule changes being introduced for the competition, alongside expanded VAR powers, new time-wasting punishments and stricter behaviour guidelines for players and coaches.
Set-pieces have become an increasingly important part of the modern game, with Arsenal turning dead-ball situations into a major strength under Mikel Arteta.
The Premier League champions scored 27 goals from set-pieces across all competitions last season, regularly using blocks and movement inside the box to create space.
Tuchel has already highlighted the importance of free-kicks, corners and long throws at the World Cup, particularly given the demanding conditions expected in the United States.
However, FIFA officials are determined to eliminate what has effectively become a free-for-all before many set-pieces.
A key change will allow VAR to intervene when attacking players commit clear offences before the ball is in play if the incident directly contributes to a goal, penalty decision or disciplinary sanction.
Thomas Tuchel’s plans to use set-pieces as a key weapon at this summer’s World Cup could be undermined by a major FIFA crackdown on grappling inside the penalty area
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The measure received approval from lawmakers IFAB ahead of the tournament.
An IFAB statement said: “The IFAB has approved a clarification to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) protocol for use at the 2026 FIFA World Cup regarding clear offences committed by the attacking team before the ball is in play at a corner kick or free kick that have a direct impact on a goal, penalty kick, or disciplinary sanction.
“If the offence meets the criteria set out in the clarification, the VAR will recommend an on-field review, following which, if the referee determines that an offence occurred before the ball was in play, the appropriate disciplinary action will be taken and the corner kick or free kick will be retaken.”
Referees have already been shown examples of incidents that would now be penalised, including England’s goal against Uruguay at Wembley in March.
England’s record at the World Cup | GETTY/ GB NEWS
Ben White found the net during the match, but officials highlighted concerns over a challenge by Adam Wharton on José María Giménez during the build-up.
Collina said: “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.
“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.”
The new approach has already sparked debate because the VAR intervention will only apply to attacking infringements before the ball is in play.
Equivalent offences by defenders will not result in retrospective penalty awards.
Collina defended the wider expansion of VAR powers, which will also cover wrongly-awarded corner kicks, second yellow cards and cases of mistaken identity.
The Italian added: “I would ask those fans or fans or whatever they are, if they would be happy that their team, club or national team, lose an important competition because of this kind of incident.
Ben White scored a controversial goal for England against Uruguay back in March
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“Would they be happy?
“Would they say: ‘Oh, ok, we lost the match, the corner kick, it was a fake corner kick, but we accept it because the VAR is written that cannot intervene.’ Do you think that they would be happy? What do you think?”
FIFA is also introducing several other changes for the tournament.
Players who cover their mouths while speaking aggressively to opponents will face an immediate red card.
Benfica youngster Gianluca Prestianni was recently handed a six-match suspension after an incident involving Real Madrid star Vinicius Junior.
Coaches and players who leave the technical area or pitch to aggressively challenge refereeing decisions will also risk dismissal.
Throw-ins and goal kicks will be subject to strict five-second countdowns, with possession awarded to opponents if delays occur.
Substituted players must leave the field within 10 seconds unless exceptional circumstances apply, while players receiving treatment will generally be required to remain off the pitch for one minute before returning.
Hydration breaks lasting three minutes will take place midway through each half throughout the tournament in anticipation of extreme temperatures across several host cities.
