FIFA to Approve Double Yellow Card Reset for 2026 World Cup

FIFA is set to approve a major change to its yellow card suspension rules for the 2026 World Cup, introducing a reset of all cautions at the end of the group stage in addition to the traditional wipe after the quarterfinals. The proposal will be discussed and finalized during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver on Tuesday.

The adjustment addresses the tournament's expansion to 48 teams from 32, which adds a new Round of 32 knockout stage and increases the number of matches teams play before reaching the quarterfinals from five to six. Under existing rules, players receive a one-match suspension for accumulating two yellow cards across those early games, with cards cleared only after the quarterfinals. Officials considered raising the threshold to three yellow cards but opted instead for two amnesty points to maintain discipline while reducing the risk of key players missing high-stakes knockout matches due to minor offenses.

With the double reset, suspensions will trigger only if a player receives two yellows in their three group-stage games or two across the Round of 32, Round of 16, and quarterfinals. FIFA views this as a fairer system for the larger format, ensuring more...