FIFA to change yellow card suspension rules for 2026 World Cup

TL;DR

FIFA plans to change yellow card suspension rules for the 2026 World Cup to prevent players from missing crucial knockout matches. A second amnesty stage will be introduced, clearing yellow cards after the group stage and again after the quarterfinals.

Key points

FIFA is changing yellow card rules for the 2026 World Cup
A second amnesty stage will clear yellow cards after the group stage
Players can also have yellow cards wiped after the quarterfinals
The new rule aims to prevent suspensions in knockout games
The decision will be made at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver

FIFA is reportedly set to change the rules around yellow card suspensions at the 2026 World Cup, in a bid to avoid players missing key knockout games.

According to reports from The Athletic and BBC, FIFA will add a second amnesty stage at this summer's tournament, wiping away all yellow cards at the end of the group stage as well as after the quarterfinals.

The new rule is set to be adopted this week at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver.

Previously, the only amnesty stage came after the quarterfinal. That meant that a player would be suspended if they received total two yellow cards prior to their team's game in the last eight.

MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey (hosting World Cup final)

AT&T Stadium – Arlington, Texas

Mercedes-Benz Stadium – Atlanta

Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City

Q&A

What are the new yellow card suspension rules for the 2026 World Cup?

FIFA will implement a second amnesty stage, wiping yellow cards after the group stage and again after the quarterfinals.

Why is FIFA changing the yellow card rules for the World Cup?

The changes aim to prevent players from being suspended for key knockout games due to accumulating yellow cards.

When will the new yellow card rules be adopted by FIFA?

The new rules are expected to be adopted this week at the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver.

How did the previous yellow card suspension rules work?

Previously, players could only have their yellow cards wiped after the quarterfinals, risking suspension if they received two yellow cards before that stage.