FIFA has announced a significant change to the yellow-card rule for the upcoming World Cup, aimed at minimizing player suspensions during crucial elimination matches in the tournament set to take place this summer in North America.

New Amnesty for Yellow Cards

During a FIFA ruling council meeting held on Tuesday, an additional amnesty for yellow cards was approved, allowing for the cancellation of player disciplinary records twice throughout the expanded tournament. According to FIFA, "Reflective of the expanded format with an extra knockout round, the FIFA Council confirmed an amendment to the Regulations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 whereby single yellow cards in the final competition will be cancelled after the group stage and then again after the quarter-finals."

Aims to Keep Players on the Field

Under the current rules, players face a one-game suspension if they receive yellow cards in two different matches. Previously, the amnesty was only applicable once, following the quarterfinal stage, which prevented players from missing the final due to a yellow card received in the semifinal. The new amendment is a response to the expanded 48-team format, which includes an additional knockout round, and aims to keep players eligible for the latter stages of the tournament.

The revised rule means that players will have their disciplinary records cleared of one yellow card after the initial three-group stage matches, allowing them to enter the knockout phase without any prior cautions. Furthermore, a second amnesty will take effect after the quarterfinals for those who received one yellow card during the preceding knockout rounds and whose teams progressed to the semifinals.

The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.