FIFA confirms new World Cup rule on yellow cards to reduce suspensions | Football News
FIFA Adjusts Yellow Card Rules for 2026 World Cup
Published April 29, 2026
FIFA has announced new regulations regarding yellow cards for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, aimed at reducing the likelihood of player suspensions during critical elimination matches. According to the governing body, single yellow cards will be nullified after the group stage and again following the quarterfinals.
This decision was made during a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday, where members proposed the disciplinary amnesty to address player participation in the expanded tournament format in North America.
FIFA later confirmed the change in an official statement. “Reflective of the expanded format with an extra knockout round, the FIFA Council confirmed an amendment to the regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 whereby single yellow cards in the final competition will be cancelled after the group stage and then again after the quarterfinals,” the statement read.
In the previous World Cup, players faced a one-game suspension for receiving yellow cards in two different matches. While yellow cards were previously cleared after the quarterfinals, this change will allow for more flexibility, ensuring that no player will miss the final due to a yellow card received in the semifinal.
The forthcoming tournament, featuring an expanded 48-team format, will include an additional round of 32 knockout games. FIFA initiated this review to encourage player retention on the field.
Under the new rules, players who collect a single yellow card during the three-group matches will begin the knockout phase with a clean slate. Additionally, a second amnesty will apply to players accumulating one yellow card during the knockout rounds if their teams reach the semifinals.
On Tuesday, FIFA also revealed plans to increase the financial resources available to the 48 participating teams by 15 percent, bringing the total to approximately $871 million, or just over $18 million per team. This includes a rise in preparation funds from $1.5 million to $2.5 million per team and an increase in qualification funds from $9 million to $10 million.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
