What is offside in football?
A player is offside if, at the exact moment a team-mate plays the ball to them, they are ahead of the second-to-last opponent (usually the last outfield defender, since the goalkeeper is typically the last opponent).
The three offside conditions
All three must apply at the same time:
- The player is in the opponent's half.
- They are closer to the opponent's goal than the ball and the second-to-last defender.
- They participate in the play (touch the ball, interfere with an opponent or gain an advantage).
¿Te gustó este artículo?
Pon a prueba lo que aprendiste con nuestra app oficial Football One Quiz.
Ver App GratisWhen it is NOT offside
| Situation | Offside? |
|---|---|
| Receiving the ball in your own half | No |
| Receiving from a throw-in | No |
| Receiving from a corner kick | No |
| Receiving from a goal kick | No |
| Standing offside without touching the ball or interfering | No |
| Level with the second-to-last defender | No |
The rule only applies if you actively participate. Standing offside without touching the ball or affecting an opponent is not an offence.
Why it was invented
The rule was created in the 19th century to stop attackers from "lurking" near the opponent's goal waiting for a long pass. Without offside, football would just be constant balls into the box.
Semi-automated offside (2026 World Cup)
FIFA has used semi-automated offside since 2022: cameras and a sensor in the ball track every player's position in real time and draw lines within seconds, not minutes. It will be the standard at the 2026 World Cup.
FAQ
Can you be offside from a goal kick? No. Also not from throw-ins or corner kicks.
What if the ball comes off an opponent? If the opponent makes a deliberate play on the ball (a clearance), it counts as a new phase and there is no offside.
Do the arms or hands count for offside? No. Only the body parts that can legally score (everything except hands and arms).
Does VAR check every offside? Only those that lead to a goal or a penalty.
Want to master football and the 2026 World Cup? Test your knowledge with Football One Quiz, the official app for iOS and Android.
