To encroach has two meanings in football. It is when a goalkeeper moves forward off their line before a penalty kick is taken. It is also used to describe when players enter the area before the spot kick is taken to gain an advantage.
What does it mean?
Goalkeepers can move side to side along their line before a penalty, but moving forward too early is encroachment. If the penalty is missed and the keeper has encroached, the kick must be re-taken. Another meaning is when players go into the penalty area before the kick is taken to gan an advantage.
Examples
- The goalkeeper was penalised for encroaching off his line.
- VAR confirmed the keeper had encroached before the save.
- Encroachment led to the penalty being re-taken.
Similar Words/Phrases
- Re-taken penalty
- To move off your line
- A spot-kick
Learn More
- Listen to our podcast from Day 7 of the 2026 World Cup
- Translate it or use it in a sentence (on our forum)
Related Glossary Terms
Categories: 2026 World Cup Phrases
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