To avoid player suspensions during the crucial rounds, FIFA plans to introduce a second yellow card amnesty period during the tournament with 48 teams.
FIFA is considering implementing a second “amnesty” period for yellow cards during the 2026 World Cup, according to The Athletic.
The FIFA Council will meet in Vancouver on Tuesday to discuss new rules for the first-ever 48-team World Cup. This may include an additional amnesty for yellow cards to reduce the risk of players missing matches in the knockout phase due to accumulated cards.
In previous World Cups, players’ yellow cards were wiped clean after the quarter-finals, but this time FIFA intends to clear them at the end of the group stage and after the quarter-finals, pending Council approval.
A player receiving two yellow cards traditionally results in a one-match suspension, and with the tournament expanding in 2026, an extra knockout round (round of 16) means another opportunity for a player to receive a yellow card before they are wiped before the quarter-finals.
With two amnesty periods, a player will only face suspension for accumulated yellow cards if they receive two cards during the three group stage matches or two during the first three knockout rounds leading up to the semi-finals.
