Goalkeeper Cannot Distract the Penalty Taker
The rules around goalkeeper behaviour during a penalty kick have been tightened. Goalkeepers are explicitly prohibited from delaying the kick or behaving in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker.
Goalkeeper must stay on the goal line. Distraction rules were vague and inconsistently applied.
Goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker. Touching posts, crossbar or net or delaying the kick is explicitly prohibited. Warning for first offence, caution for any subsequent offence.
What changed
The 2026/27 laws now explicitly state that the goalkeeper must not behave in a way that unfairly distracts the kicker — for example by delaying the taking of the kick or touching the goalposts, crossbar or goal net. This codifies what was previously left to referee interpretation and makes the standard clearer.
Why it matters for the World Cup
Goalkeeper gamesmanship during penalties has been a persistent issue. Dancing on the line, moving arms wildly, deliberately delaying — all of these are now more clearly prohibited. Referees at the World Cup will be instructed to be stricter. A first offence results in a warning, any subsequent offence is a caution.
Scenarios
Goalkeeper dances and waves arms on the line
Before a penalty is taken, the goalkeeper performs exaggerated movements and waves their arms to distract the kicker.
Goalkeeper touches the crossbar before kick
The goalkeeper jumps up and touches the crossbar just before the penalty is taken.