FIFA changes yellow card rules for World Cup 2026

FIFA has approved an important rule change about yellow cards for the FIFA World Cup 2026 to give more players a chance to play in knockout matches.

The decision was made during a FIFA meeting related to the 2026 World Cup in Canada.

Under the new rules, players’ disciplinary records will be cleared twice during the tournament. This means there will be fewer chances of suspension because of yellow cards.

According to the decision, all single yellow cards will be removed after the group stage ends. This means players will enter the knockout round without yellow card pressure.

Players will also get another clean slate after the quarter-finals. Teams that reach the semi-finals will also be free from the risk of missing matches because of one yellow card.

In the past, FIFA rules removed yellow cards only after the quarter-finals. Because of that, a player receiving a yellow card in the semi-final could miss the final.

FIFA made these changes because the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and an extra knockout round.

FIFA has also increased financial rewards. According to FIFA, teams taking part in the tournament will share $871 million.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled from June 11 to July 19 in United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Meanwhile, Iran boycotted the meeting after claims of unfair treatment at Toronto Pearson International Airport.

Iran’s delegation included football federation president Mehdi Taj, secretary Mombini, and deputy secretary Hamid Momani.

Canadian authorities reportedly denied entry to Mehdi Taj because of his alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.