FIFA has announced an overhaul of disciplinary regulations relating to the 2026 World Cup’s (the “World Cup”) rules for accumulations of bookings for the tournament’s group and knockout competition stages. FIFA is introducing “amnesty points” to enable players who receive (missing one single yellow card) bookings before the tournament reaches the knockout stages.
The decision was made at the FIFA Council in March 2023, when the FIFA Council approved that there would be an amnesty point in addition to a player’s existing single yellow card (i.e., if you have received two yellow cards; you will be able to play in the knockout stages provided you have not received a second yellow card prior to the tournament reaching the actual knockout stages of the tournament).
The proposed amendment reflects the overall modified structure of the tournament, whereby the current knockout structure includes an added round of 32 (the round of 32 knockout stage) to accommodate the increased number of participating teams. In previous FIFA tournaments, a player received one yellow card before being subject to suspension, following the quarter-finals. In light of the number of matches to be played under the expanded tournament structure, FIFA is concerned that the penalties imposed on a player who has accumulated multiple bookings may prevent that player from participating in critical elimination matches for their respective national teams.
According to the governing body, the FIFA Council approved changes to the regulations governing the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is to be conducted in an extended format with an additional knockout stage. Single yellow cards obtained in the final competition will be eliminated after the group stage and again after the quarter-final stage.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled to commence on June 11, 2026, and conclude on July 19, 2026. This modification is intended to create a level playing field by ensuring that key players do not miss out on playing in crucial matches by way of suspension.
FIFA has also announced that it will increase its financial support for participating teams by 15%, taking the total investment into the tournament to $871 million (FIFA’s total budget for the 2023-2026 cycle is significantly higher, projected at $11 billion in revenue, with specific prize money pools usually announced closer to the event. The $871 million figure likely refers to a specific allocation for team preparations and club benefits, rather than the “total investment” of the tournament. This will also include greater amounts for preparation and qualification payments (which are made before the tournament).
This change occurs during the preparations for the largest-ever World Cup, where teams will be challenged to keep their players healthy during the longer tournament duration.