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World Cup 2026 yellow and red card rules: Suspensions and new rules explained

World Cup 2026 yellow and red card rules: Suspensions and new rules explained

How many strikes until you're out?

A referee, in all black, shows a red card to England player Jarell Quansah, in all white, at World Cup 2026.

(Photo by Yuri CORTEZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Ned Holmes

Published: Wednesday, 8 July 2026 at 12:30 pm

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Red cards at World Cup 2026 are proving quite the talking point.

Sending offs in major tournaments are always dramatic but it's usually the impact on the pitch that dominates headlines.

Things have been a little different at this summer's tournament after FIFA's controversial decision to delay USA striker Folarin Balogun's suspension.

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It's got chins wagging but what are the red and yellow card suspension rules?

Radio Times brings you all the details about yellow cards and suspensions at World Cup 2026.

How many yellow cards for a suspension in World Cup 2026?

If players receive two yellow cards in the tournament, they will receive an automatic one-match ban.

In a bid to cut down on players surrounding referees, officials have been empowered to give yellow cards to players – other than team captains – who approach them.

When are yellow cards wiped in World Cup 2026?

In a tweak for World Cup 2026, yellow card totals will be wiped after the group stage and the quarter-finals.

Previously, they would only be cancelled after the quarter-finals but a change has been made following the expansion to a 48-team tournament.

With teams set to play more matches, FIFA has implemented the rule to ensure there are not too many suspensions for key games late in the World Cup.

How long is a red card suspension in World Cup 2026?

If players receive a red card at World Cup 2026, they will receive an automatic one-match ban.

The punishment remains the same whether a player receives a red card via two yellows or a straight red. However, FIFA's disciplinary body have the right to increase the suspension on a case-by-case basis.

There are no appeals for yellow cards or red cards in the tournament but we have already seen USA striker Folarin Balogun's suspension delayed in controversial circumstances.

Balogun was due to miss USA's round-of-16 game against Belgium after being sent off in their round-of-32 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Following multiple calls from US President Donald Trump, however, the striker's suspension was delayed by FIFA to allow him to play against Belgium.

Could Jarell Quansah's red card suspension be delayed at World Cup 2026?

It's very unlikely that Jarell Quansah's red card suspension will be delayed by FIFA to allow him to play in the Norway quarter-final.

The England defender was shown sent off for a dangerous challenge and though there have been reports suggesting the Three Lions were considering an appeal, it would be a huge surprise if FIFA were to overturn it.

The decision may have frustrated England fans and manager Thomas Tuchel but Quansah dived into the challenge and caught the Mexico player high on his calf with his studs, so a red card was deserved.

FIFA would be setting a dangerous precedent if they overturned the decision or delayed the suspension.

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Authors

Black and white cut-out portrait headshot of Ned Holmes, smiling against a lime green background.

Ned Holmes

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.

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