How it works
Being level with the second-last opponent is onside, and a player cannot be offside in their own half. The position is judged when a teammate plays or touches the ball, not when the player receives it.
What people often miss
There is no offside offense directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick. Officials also consider whether the player interferes with play, an opponent, or gains an advantage.
Why this question comes up
Close video-review decisions make offside one of the most discussed rules in soccer.
Key points
- A player is in an offside position when nearer the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent, but an offense occurs only if that player then becomes involved in active play.
- Being level with the second-last opponent is onside, and a player cannot be offside in their own half. The position is judged when a teammate plays or touches the ball, not when the player receives it.
- There is no offside offense directly from a goal kick, throw-in, or corner kick. Officials also consider whether the player interferes with play, an opponent, or gains an advantage.
Bottom line
A player is in an offside position when nearer the opponents’ goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent, but an offense occurs only if that player then becomes involved in active play.
Source and verification
This Answer was checked against IFAB Law 11: Offside. Follow the source for the full official explanation and any later updates.