World Cup suspension rules: England star at risk despite new yellow card policy

Every player dreams of playing at a World Cup, so picking up a suspension and missing games would be a major blow.

But as all matches will have such high stakes in North America this summer, stars are sure to be putting it all on the line.

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Heavy tackles and plenty of the dark arts are expected to be on show all tournament and the officials are going to be kept very busy.

The opening Group A game between Mexico and South Africa saw three red cards shown as Yaya Sithole, Themba Zwane and Cesar Montes were all given their marching orders.

To date, there have now been 10 reds dealt out with Miguel Almiron’s being among the most controversial.

The 2022 World Cup saw only four red cards shown in the entirety of the tournament, meaning this summer’s event has blown that total out of the water.

World Cup 2026 yellow card rule change

Typically, at a World Cup, if a player received a yellow card in two games before the quarter-finals, they received a suspension.

That would mean that by receiving two bookings in the group stage, or one in the group stage and one before the last eight matches, the players would be banned from their team’s next fixture.

However, there are some major changes made at the 2026 World Cup, which has an expanded format.

This summer, a Round of 32 clash has been added to the schedule, so it is felt that the jeopardy for a ban is too high and that two cut-off points would be fairer for the players.

So, all yellow cards are going to be wiped after the group stages, as well as after the quarter-finals, as usual.

It means players would need to be booked twice in the groups, or twice between the last 32, last 16 and quarter-finals to be banned.

England’s Declan Rice was shown a yellow card in their draw against Ghana and should he receive another against Panama in their final group game, he would be suspended for the Round of 32.

His yellow card will be removed after the Panama game.

World Cup rules on red cards

Despite the quarter-final cut-off point for yellow cards, players can still miss the latter stages by receiving a red card.

If a player is sent off during a World Cup game, they will be suspended for their nation’s next match at the tournament.

Depending on the nature of any red card, additional sanctions can be added on by FIFA if deemed necessary. 

Any suspension received in the team’s final game of the competition will be carried over into their next official match. 

AFP

Major VAR changes

A major change for the 2026 World Cup when it comes to cards is that VAR will now have more power.

VAR will be able to check and review red cards that are given for incorrect second yellows.

This will prevent players from being wrongly sent off for two yellows, with it now possible for the card to be rescinded.

On top of that, VAR can intervene with potential mistaken identity.

This is when a referee penalises the incorrect team for an offence that leads to a red or yellow card for the wrong player.

Therefore, there will be 100 per cent certainty when it comes to which players potentially receive a suspension.

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