FIFA approves red cards for pitch walkouts and mouth-covering at 2026 World Cup

FIFA approves red cards for pitch walkouts and mouth-covering at 2026 World Cup

FIFA will introduce two major disciplinary rule changes at the 2026 World Cup. Players are now at risk of being sent off for covering their mouths during heated on-pitch confrontations.

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) confirmed the amendments following a special meeting in Vancouver.

Football’s lawmakers unanimously approved proposals designed to crack down on discriminatory and inappropriate behaviour.

Under the new rules, players who hide their mouths while arguing with opponents could receive a red card at the discretion of competition organisers.

The measure arrives after the controversial Champions League clash between Real Madrid winger Vinicius Jr and Benfica’s Gianluca Prestianni earlier this year.

Vinicius accused Prestianni of racially abusing him during an ill-tempered exchange in February.

Prestianni covered his mouth with his shirt during the confrontation and was later banned for six matches by UEFA after admitting to using a homophobic slur.

However, he denied allegations of racist abuse.

In a statement, the IFAB said: “At the discretion of the competition organiser, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card.”

Another significant change targets players or officials who abandon the field in protest against refereeing decisions.

The rule follows the chaotic Africa Cup of Nations final in January, when Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.

The IFAB confirmed referees will now have the authority to dismiss players who leave the field in protest, while team officials who encourage such actions could also be sent off.

“A team that causes a match to be abandoned will, in principle, forfeit the match,” the IFAB added.

In other news, FIFA is also set to introduce a major change to its yellow card suspension rules ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bookings will likely be wiped twice during the tournament to keep more star players on the pitch for decisive matches.

The measures will come into force at the expanded 48-team World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico next summer.

FIFA is expected to brief participating nations in the coming weeks.