World Cup 2026 will introduce a significant change to its disciplinary rules as FIFA prepares a new system for managing yellow cards. The reform, revealed by The Athletic, is expected to be discussed at a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver and could soon be approved, marking a turning point for the competition.
The proposal includes a two-step reset of yellow cards during the tournament, first after the group stage and then after the quarter-finals. In the middle of this reform, World Cup 2026 aims to reduce the risk of suspensions in decisive matches, especially with the introduction of a Round of 32 in the expanded format featuring 48 teams.
This approach is designed to protect key players and maintain competitive balance during crucial stages of the tournament. Coaches are expected to benefit from greater squad availability in knockout rounds, making tactical planning more flexible, as World Cup 2026 prepares to deliver a more balanced and spectator-friendly competition.
