FIFA to Implement Additional Yellow-Card Amnesty at World Cup

FIFA is set to introduce an additional yellow-card amnesty for the upcoming 2026 Men's World Cup to minimize the risk of players missing crucial knockout matches due to suspensions. The proposed rule changes are expected to be discussed and agreed upon during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday.

In past tournaments, yellow cards were removed only after the quarter-finals. However, with this year's tournament expanding from 32 to 48 teams, FIFA is modifying the rules to reduce the likelihood of player suspensions from accumulated cards. The increase in participating teams has introduced an additional knockout round — the round of 32 — to the schedule.

Under the new regulations, all yellow cards will be cleared at the end of the group stages and after the quarter-finals. Currently, a player could be suspended after receiving two yellow cards over five matches before the quarter-finals. With the new amnesty, players will need to receive yellow cards in two of the three group-stage matches or in two of the matches from the round of 32, the last 16, and the quarter-finals to face suspension.

FIFA believes that these adjustments are fairer, reducing the risk of suspensions at critical moments in the tournament and allowing players to participate in essential knockout matches. This amendment comes alongside FIFA's discussions about raising prize money and fees for the participating national associations.