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Soccer word of the day: offside

Everything you need to know about the game's most important terms ahead of two major tournaments coming up over the next 18 months

With the Club World Cup around the corner and the World Cup 2026 taking place in USA, Mexico and Canada next year, GOAL runs you through some of the key soccer terms you need to know ahead of these major tournaments.

First off: the offside rule! What is it? What does it mean? And how does it even work? Don't worry, we've got you covered!

Understanding the offside rule doesn't have to be a head-scratcher. We break down football's most debated rule in simple terms, from its basic principles to common misconceptions.

The offside rule in football is often a source of confusion for new fans and even some seasoned supporters. It's arguably the most debated rule in the game, but understanding it doesn't have to be a challenge worthy of a VAR review. This quick guide tackles the offside rule head-on, breaking it down into bite-sized chunks to leave you feeling confident about this crucial aspect of the beautiful game.

  • It's All About Attacking

    First things first: only the team in possession of the ball can be caught offside. That means players on the defending team are free from offside calls.

    Offside can only occur in the attacking half of the pitch, so any player on the attacking team within their own half is automatically onside.

    Think of it this way: you can't be offside if you're closer to your own goal than the ball is.

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  • The Offside Position: A Question of Positioning

    Technically speaking, an attacking player is in an offside position when they are closer to the opponent's goal line than both the ball and the second-to-last opponent.

    Typically, the second-to-last opponent is a defender, but it could also be the goalkeeper if they've ventured out.

    Pro Tip: Imagine a line drawn across the pitch level with the second-to-last defender. If an attacking player is beyond that line when the ball is played to them, they are in an offside position.

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    It's Not Just About Being Offside

    Being in an offside position isn't an automatic infringement. An offside offense only occurs when a player in an offside position is actively involved in the play at the moment the ball is played to them.

    This "active involvement" can include:

    Touching the ball: If the player receives a pass while offside.

    Interfering with an opponent: If the player's position prevents an opponent from playing the ball, even if they don't touch it themselves.

    Gaining an advantage: If the player is in a better position to receive the ball because they were offside.

  • The Offside Trap: Defenders Aren't Standing Still

    The offside rule is a dynamic one. Defenders can move up the field quickly, catching attacking players offside even if they were behind the defensive line moments before.

    This tactic, known as the "offside trap," is a common defensive strategy to neutralize attacking threats.

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    Exceptions to the Rule: When Offside Doesn't Apply

    There are a few key exceptions where the offside rule simply doesn't exist:

    Goal Kicks: Players can be in any position when the ball is kicked directly from a goal kick.

    Throw-ins: Similar to goal kicks, players are free to position themselves as they like during a throw-in.

    Corner Kicks: Players can be in any position when the ball is kicked directly from a corner kick.

  • Offside in a Nutshell: It's About Fair Play

    The offside rule can seem complex, but it's ultimately designed to ensure fair play and prevent attackers from simply camping out near the opponent's goal.

    By understanding the basic principles and remembering the exceptions, you'll be well on your way to confidently calling those offside shouts from the stands (or your sofa!).