In a step aimed at raising the pace of excitement and ensuring the presence of the first row of stars, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) announced fundamental and surprising amendments to the regulations data-index-in-node="142">2026 World Cup. The decision, which was taken unanimously during the FIFA Council meeting in the Canadian city of Vancouver, stipulates that the record of penalties and suspensions resulting from the qualifying stage be “zeroed” before the start of the World Cup. From the continental qualifiers to the finals that will be hosted by America, Mexico and Canada:
Yellow cards: Individual bookings received by players during the qualifiers will not be taken into account.
Accumulation of bookings: The one- or two-match ban resulting from collecting yellow cards in different matches was dropped.
Specific red cards:The amnesty included cases of indirect expulsion (two warnings), or direct expulsion resulting from depriving an opponent of the opportunity to score a goal, or tackles resulting from normal violent play.
Despite the “zeroing the counter” policy, the International Federation confirmed that Penalties resulting from Serious direct red cards (such as disgraceful behavior or very violent assaults) will remain in effect and carry with the player to the finals, in order to preserve the spirit of discipline and sporting integrity.
FIFA explained that the goal of this legal change is to enable national teams to enter the global arena with their strongest possible formations. The International Federation believes that depriving fans of seeing their favorite stars in the opening matches of the World Cup due to the “accumulation of warnings” in the qualifiers reduces the appeal of the global tournament and its marketing and artistic value.
It is noteworthy that the 2026 World Cup will be the largest edition in history, as it will be held from June 11 to July 19, with a record participation of 48 teams for the first time.
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