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FIFA Adds Yellow-Card Amnesty, New Protest Red-Card Rule

4/30/2026

Summary

FIFA Council Approves

The FIFA Council approved 2026 Cup changes adding two yellow-card amnesties and a red-card provision.
Yellow cards are erased after the group stage and after the quarterfinals, resetting knockout records.
IFAB added a red-card rule penalising players who cover their mouth or leave the field to protest, after player Gianluca Prestianni’s Feb. 17 2026 incident and Senegal’s walk-off in January Africa Cup final.
FIFA will brief 48 teams before June 11 2026 tournament.

Summary

FIFA Expands

The 2026 World Cup will expand to 48 teams, creating a 104-match schedule over 39 days.
The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico across 16 cities, with the final set for July 19, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
The three-country hosting and larger field are expected to make the tournament the costliest World Cup ever.

Summary

Infantino Mouthcover Ban

Gianni Infantino said a player who hides his mouth is presumed to be prohibited, justifying a red card.
The International Football Association Board approved mouth-covering and walk-off amendments in Vancouver, Canada, while Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) hopes the trial will influence tournaments.
Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) said the rules apply only to the 2026 World Cup and a side causing abandonment will forfeit the match.

History

Historical Context

After the 1994 World Cup in the United States introduced commercial TV clocks, FIFA expanded the finals to 32 teams for the 1998 tournament in France, staging 64 matches and 704 players. The larger format allowed separate group fixtures, boosting global broadcast value and paving the way for later expansions, such as the 48-team format slated for 2026.

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FIFA Council Approves

The FIFA Council approved 2026 Cup changes adding two yellow-card amnesties and a red-card provision.
Yellow cards are erased after the group stage and after the quarterfinals, resetting knockout records.
IFAB added a red-card rule penalising players who cover their mouth or leave the field to protest, after player Gianluca Prestianni’s Feb. 17 2026 incident and Senegal’s walk-off in January Africa Cup final.
FIFA will brief 48 teams before June 11 2026 tournament.

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