FIFA is considering a significant change to its disciplinary rules ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in a move aimed at ensuring top players are available for the latter stages of the competition.
The proposal, due to be discussed by the FIFA Council, would see yellow cards wiped at two points during the tournament: after the group stage and again following the quarter-finals. The intention is to reduce the number of suspensions affecting key matches in the knockout rounds.
Football’s world governing body believes the current system, in which players can be banned after accumulating two yellow cards across multiple matches, risks sidelining major talents before decisive fixtures. Under existing rules, bookings received in earlier rounds can carry through to the later stages, increasing the likelihood of suspensions.
The issue has taken on added importance due to the expanded format of the 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico. With the competition growing to 48 teams, an additional round of 32 will be introduced, extending the overall schedule.
FIFA argues that the longer format raises the probability of what it describes as “automatic” suspensions, where players miss matches due to accumulated cautions rather than serious disciplinary offences. By resetting yellow cards at key intervals, the organisation hopes to minimise the absence of leading players in high-stakes games.
According to the proposal, all yellow cards would be cleared at the conclusion of the group phase, allowing players to enter the knockout rounds with a clean disciplinary record. A second reset after the quarter-finals would ensure that bookings do not carry into the semi-finals or final.
FIFA says the change is intended to balance sporting fairness with the quality of the tournament spectacle. Preventing top players from missing crucial matches is seen as beneficial both for teams and for global audiences.
However, the proposal has prompted debate within the sport. Critics argue that easing the rules could weaken the deterrent effect of yellow cards, potentially undermining consistency in officiating and discipline. Others question whether altering the system risks favouring entertainment over strict adherence to the rules.
Supporters of the reform counter that the current system can disproportionately punish players for minor infringements accumulated over several matches, rather than for serious misconduct.
The matter is expected to be discussed at a forthcoming meeting in Vancouver, where members of the FIFA Council will consider whether to adopt the changes. If approved, the revised rules would come into force in time for the 2026 tournament.
A decision is anticipated in the coming months, with FIFA seeking to finalise regulations well ahead of the expanded competition.
