Under the strict new guidelines and sweeping regulations, head coaches and players must exercise extreme caution on the pitch, as they need to be fully prepared for the severe disciplinary ramifications that follow a red card.

The 2026 World Cup has new rules on yellow cards, red cards and suspensions. Here is what every fan needs to know before the tournament kicks off.

When you're watching the World Cup this summer, or perhaps a Major League Soccer match in the aftermath, you'll notice referees use a three-level system to judge the severity of challenges: careless,

Rafael Leão received a straight red card for violent conduct during Portugal’s World Cup warm-up friendly match against Chile. Portugal faced Chile in an important pre-World Cup friendly on June 6, 2026, as Roberto Martinez continued preparations for ...

What are the yellow card rules at the World Cup and when does the 'clean slate' rule kick in?

Starting from the 2026 World Cup, a new rule applies to players who cover their mouths while arguing. One of the new features introduced in the 2026 World Cup is the sanction imposed on players for covering their mouths after an argument,