The handball rule remains the source of great footballing controversy and is likely to be in the spotlight again at World Cup 2026.
Week after week, we continue to see handball decisions spark debate among players, fans and the media. The problem is that everyone seems to have a different opinion on what constitutes handball.
The rules themselves have changed over the years and are interpreted differently by referees depending on which league or competition they are officiating in. This season, Premier League referees have interpreted the handball rule much more leniently than their UEFA counterparts.
So, where does that leave us for this summer’s World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the United States?
Radio Times brings you all the details you need to know about handball at World Cup 2026.
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What is the handball rule at World Cup 2026?
The handball rule at World Cup 2026 is based on the laws of the game, which are set by IFAB.
According to IFAB, an offence occurs if a player:
- Deliberately touches the ball with their hand or arm – for example, moving the hand/arm towards the ball
- Touches the ball with their hand or arm when it has made their body unnaturally bigger. A player is considered to have made their body unnaturally bigger when the position of their hand or arm is not a consequence of, or justifiable by, the player’s body movement for that specific situation. By having their hand or arm in such a position, the player takes a risk of their hand or arm being hit by the ball and being penalised
- Scores in the opponents’ goal – either directly from their hand or arm, even if accidental, including by the goalkeeper, or immediately after the ball has touched their hand or arm, even if accidental
Where handball is concerned, IFAB says the upper boundary of the arm is in line with the armpit.
How will handballs be refereed differently from the Premier League?
ITV rules analyst Christina Unkel has said she expects referees at the World Cup to be more lenient on handballs than in UEFA competitions like the Champions League, with a higher threshold for handball, and implement the rule more like Premier League officials.
“I do think there will be a higher threshold for what is considered a handball at the World Cup,” she said.
“International competitions are officiated differently from domestic competitions.
“Leagues are 10-month-long competitions, whereas the World Cup is 39 days, so that’s why the thresholds are much higher at an international competition.
“If referees are making a game-changing decision, they have to believe in it. If they’re making a decision that could affect the outcome, they better believe that the only people complaining are the supporters it impacts, who are in denial.”
On the handball rule, Unkel added: “To get ready for the biggest tournament in the world, the referees have been in elite FIFA training camps to ensure they’re consistently applying it.”
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Authors
Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.
