FIFA is moving toward introducing a significant change to the yellow-card system during the 2026 World Cup, in a step that could bring about a major shift in how matches are managed throughout the tournament.
According to media reports, including those published by The Athletic and BBC Sport, the new proposal calls for yellow cards to be wiped in two stages: first after the end of the group stage, and then after the quarter-finals, instead of the current system, which clears them only once.
This direction comes in response to the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams, meaning an increase in the number of matches players will take part in, and consequently a greater likelihood of suspension due to accumulated bookings.
Under the current system, a player can be suspended after receiving just two yellow cards, which could result in missing decisive matches such as the semi-finals.
Under the proposal, the suspension threshold would remain unchanged at two yellow cards, but applying the reset in two stages would reduce the chances of influential players missing knockout-round matches and give national teams greater flexibility in managing their squads.
Observers also believe this amendment could affect tactical aspects, as it would give coaches more room to take risks in certain matches without excessive concern over losing their stars in the later stages.
The proposal is expected to be discussed during a FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver, with expectations that it could be approved if it gains broad consensus, becoming part of the official regulations for the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
