When does a goal count in football?
B · Beginner · How is a goal scored, and how is a match won? · 1 of 17A goal counts when the whole of the ball has crossed the goal line between the posts and under the crossbar, with no offence by the scoring team on the way. If any part of the ball is still on or above the line, it is not a goal. Goals can be scored from open play and directly from most restarts, but not all.
How it works
- The whole ball must pass over the goal line, between the posts and under the crossbar.
- No offence by the scoring team: a foul, handball or offside in the build-up means no goal.
- Where goal-line technology is used, it tells the referee within one second whether the ball crossed.
- A goal may be scored directly from a kick-off, a direct free kick, a penalty kick, a goal kick and a corner kick, but only into the opponents' goal.
- A goal cannot be scored directly from a throw-in, an indirect free kick, a dropped ball (unless it touches two players) or a goalkeeper's throw.
- An attacker's goal straight off their hand or arm, even by accident, does not count.
Tricky cases
Is it a goal if the ball is on the line?
No. The whole of the ball must be over the whole of the line. The goal line is part of the field of play.
Can a goal be scored straight from a corner?
Yes. A goal may be scored directly from a corner kick against the other team.
Can a goalkeeper score by throwing the ball into the other goal?
No. If the goalkeeper throws the ball directly into the opponents' goal, it is a goal kick.
The referee blew for a goal before the ball crossed the line. What happens?
Play restarts with a dropped ball. The goal does not count.
Does a goal count if a substitute was on the pitch?
It depends on whose substitute and whether they interfered. An extra person from the scoring team who interfered means no goal. One from the team that conceded does not cancel it.
Why the rule exists
A clear, physical test (the whole ball over the whole line) leaves less to opinion. The offence condition stops a team profiting from breaking the Laws on the way to a goal.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| All football under the Laws | As above | L10.1 |
| Competitions with goal-line technology or VAR | Technology or video can confirm or overturn goal decisions | L1.11; L5.4; VAR protocol |
From the rule book
IFAB Laws of the Game 2026/27, Laws 1.11, 3.9, 8, 10.1, 12.1 and 13 to 17, in force from 1 July 2026. Checked 13 October 2026. Official document: IFAB Laws of the Game (PDF).