ZURICH: FIFA has announced significant changes to yellow card rules for the 2026 World Cup, aiming to ensure maximum player availability in crucial knockout matches.
Under the new regulations, players’ disciplinary records will be cleared twice during the tournament, reducing the chances of suspension.
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According to FIFA, all single yellow cards will be wiped out at the end of the group stage, allowing players to enter the knockout phase without disciplinary pressure.
A second amnesty will be granted after the quarter-finals, meaning players reaching the semi-finals will also be free from the risk of suspension due to accumulated yellow cards.
Previously, yellow cards were cleared after the quarter-finals to prevent players from missing the final due to bookings in the semi-finals.
However, with the expanded 48-team format and an additional knockout round, the rules have been further relaxed.
FIFA also announced an increase in financial incentives, raising the total prize fund for all 48 participating teams by 15 percent to $871 million.
