FIFA set to make major rule change for this summer's World Cup

Jack Otway
Tue, 28 Apr 2026 11:16:48 +0000

FIFA is reportedly planning to introduce a dual yellow card amnesty system for this summer's World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The governing body's decision comes as the tournament expands to 48 nations, creating an additional knockout round compared to previous editions.

According to the BBC, accumulated cautions will be wiped clean at two separate points during the competition.

The first reset will occur once group stage matches conclude, whilst a second amnesty will follow the quarter-final round.

TRENDING

Stories

Videos

Your Say

The FIFA Council is scheduled to convene in Canada next Tuesday, where these proposed changes are expected to be formally discussed.

The expansion of the tournament format prompted concerns among FIFA officials about the potential for key players to be sidelined during crucial semi-final encounters.

Under the previous system, accumulating two bookings before the last four was sufficient to trigger a one-match suspension.

With the new 48-team structure requiring competitors to navigate five matches before reaching the semi-finals, the risk of missing pivotal games through caution accumulation increased significantly.

FIFA considered raising the suspension threshold to three yellow cards as an alternative approach.

However, reports indicate that officials ultimately favoured the twin amnesty solution to address these concerns.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Ronnie O'Sullivan makes astonishing admission after John Higgins defeat at World Championship

Casemiro future gets big update after Man Utd win over Brentford

Rory McIlroy denies Donald Trump his wish as £2.7m decision made

Despite the amnesty system, suspensions will still apply within each distinct phase of the competition.

Players who receive cautions in two of their three group stage fixtures will face a one-match ban during the knockout rounds.

Similarly, bookings accumulated across the round of 32, last 16 or quarter-final stages will continue to carry consequences.

Any player cautioned twice during these knockout matches will be required to sit out the following game.

This approach ensures that the amnesty resets do not eliminate accountability for persistent fouling, whilst preventing the accumulation of cards across the entire tournament from affecting semi-final participation.

Beyond the yellow card reforms, FIFA is introducing several measures aimed at combating time-wasting during matches.

Throw-ins and goal kicks must now be taken within five seconds, whilst substituted players will have just ten seconds to depart the pitch.

Players requiring on-field medical attention will be obliged to leave the game for a full minute, double the 30-second requirement currently used in the Premier League, unless the opposing player receives a card for the offending challenge.

In a somewhat contradictory move given these pace-focused initiatives, VAR's remit will expand to include reviews of second yellow card decisions and corner kick awards.