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It’s a scene we’ve seen played out time and time again throughout World Cup history.
A hard foul by a player that sends his opponent writhing in pain onto the court. The referee rushes over and whistles frantically as players from both sides gather to push and plead.
Sometimes the referee just gives a stern verbal warning to the player involved. But sometimes that referee draws either a yellow or red card, which changes the course of the game. But what do these cards mean? And are there any changes in store for the World Cup? Let’s dive in.
When is a yellow card given?
Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
A yellow card is a disciplinary measure used by the referee to caution (book) a player for a foul or offence. Yellow cards can be shown to anyone involved in the match – players, substitutes, bench staff, coaches and other team managers. Think of this card as a warning sign alerting the player to their violation. The referee shows the card, but the player stays in the game. Among the most common yellow card offenses include:
– a reckless challenge to an opponent, such as tripping, tackling, grabbing or interfering during play;
– wasting time or disrupting an opponent’s attack;
– denying the other team an obvious goal-scoring opportunity (also known as ‘DOGSO’);
– exaggerate being nasty or diving for physical contact by an opponent;
– jeers or excessive celebrations, including taking off their shirt after scoring a goal;
What happens when someone gets two yellow cards?
(Photo by ANNE-CHRISTINE POUJOULAT/AFP via Getty Images)
Two yellow cards equals one red card, which we’ll get to here in a moment. If a player gets two yellows in the same match, it means an automatic expulsion from the match. The team must then play with one less player for the entire duration of the match. If a coach or team manager receives two yellow cards, they must leave the sidelines and can no longer be part of the game.
When is a red card given?
Like the yellow card, a red card is a disciplinary measure used by the referee. But this is normal for a more serious or violent error. As previously stated, any player or coach who receives two yellow cards in a match will receive an automatic red card and sending off. Offenses that often warrant a red card include:
– a serious or dangerous foul that goes beyond what would merit a yellow card;
– violent behavior (hitting, kicking, biting, headbutting, etc.) or spitting on an opponent;
– language or behavior in a way that is offensive, insulting or offensive.
Another action that merits a red card is stopping an obvious scoring opportunity with your arms or hands.
Does the red card mean dismissal and automatic suspension?
If a player receives a red card, it means an automatic expulsion from the match. The team must then play with one less player for the entire duration of the match. A red card also carries over to the next match and that player must also sit out the next match. This also applies to any coach or team manager who receives a red card.
It is clear that a red card puts a team in a difficult situation, as it will not be able to count on that player for not only the match in which it occurred, but also for the next one – which can have serious consequences in a tournament context like the World Cup.
What is yellow card accumulation during the World Cup?
Current World Cup rules state that if a player receives two yellow cards, even in different matches, it will result in a one-match ban. For example, if a player received a yellow card in a group stage match and then accumulated another in a quarter-final match, he would have to sit out a semi-final match. Only until after The World Cup quarter-final round can see a player have their yellow card accumulation wiped away prior to a semi-final or final match.
Will the yellow card accumulation rule change for the 2026 World Cup?
Multiple outlets reported on April 27 that FIFA will change how yellow card accumulation works at this summer’s tournament due to the expanded 48-team format. Now there will be two “amnesty” phases where yellow cards will be erased – at the end of the group stage and after the quarter-final rounds.
The addition of a Round-of-32 phase meant that a player would have to navigate six matches (three group stage matches, Round of 32, Round of 16, the quarter-finals) before seeing their yellow card accumulation wiped away.
Now there will be two times that a player will get a clean sheet and thus not have to risk being suspended in a key round of the knockout round just for getting two yellow cards.
With two amnesty periods, a player will only trigger the suspension for yellow cards by getting two bookings over the three group stage matches or two across the first three rounds of the knockouts prior to the semi-finals.
