FIFA has approved a change to its disciplinary rules for the 2026 World Cup, allowing yellow cards accumulated in the group stage to be wiped before the knockout rounds. The decision was confirmed after approval by FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday.
Under the new rule, players will not carry single yellow card suspensions into the round of 32, which is being introduced as part of the expanded 48-team tournament format. The change is aimed at reducing the number of key players missing knockout matches due to bookings.
FIFA said further adjustments will see yellow cards cleared again after the quarter-final stage, preventing suspensions in the semi-finals and final. Previously, cautions were only reset after the quarter-finals.
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The 2026 World Cup will take place from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the opening match scheduled at the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City.
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