SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/soc-offside-level

An attacker is exactly level with the second-last defender when a team-mate passes. Offside position?

No, level is onside.

Start playing free

  1. Yes, level counts as offside
  2. Only if the ball is in the air
  3. No, level is onside ✔

Why: A player is not in an offside position if level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents. Being nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent is what makes it an offside position.

Huh, didn't know that: The goalkeeper usually counts as one of the last two opponents, but any two defenders can be.

The dad joke
Why did the attacker and the defender get along? They saw eye to eye, perfectly level.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: No, level is onside. A player is not in an offside position if level with the second-last opponent or the last two opponents. Being nearer the goal line than both the ball and the second-last opponent is what makes it an offside position.

  1. IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Law 11 Offside www.theifab.com/laws/latest/offside
    A player is not in an offside position if level with the: second-last opponent or last two opponents
    Checked 2026-10-12.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

Sports & FitnessIs it against the rules just to stand in an offside position?Sports & FitnessCan a player be in an offside position while standing in their own half?Sports & FitnessA player receives the ball straight from a throw-in while behind every defender. Is that offside?

That's stuff everyone should know.