FIFA are preparing to introduce significant rule changes for the 2026 World Cup as they adapt to the expanded format of the tournament.
The upcoming edition features 48 teams, so it adds an extra knockout round compared to previous competitions.
Because of that, FIFA had to rethink certain regulations to maintain fairness across the tournament. One key concern has been player suspensions due to yellow card accumulation.
At previous World Cups, players who picked up two yellow cards before the semi-finals received a one-match ban.
However, with more matches now, this rule could have forced several players to miss crucial knockout fixtures.
According to the BBC, FIFA are planning to introduce two separate yellow card amnesties during the tournament.
The first comes after the group stage, while the second takes effect after the quarter-finals. FIFA officials believe this approach offers a fair balance.
Meanwhile, FIFA also considered increasing the suspension threshold to three yellow cards. However, the governing body prefers the amnesty system instead.
Despite the changes, some rules will remain in place. Players who receive two yellow cards during the group stage will still serve a suspension.
Similarly, bookings across the last 32, round of 16, and quarter-finals will also trigger a ban if a player reaches the threshold.
The FIFA Council will discuss the proposal further when they meet in Canada next Tuesday. Alongside disciplinary changes, FIFA are also planning to introduce new measures to speed up matches.
Players will be given five seconds to take throw-ins and goal kicks. Substituted players will also have just ten seconds to leave the pitch.
In addition, players who receive treatment on the field will have to stay off for one minute unless the incident leads to a card for the opposing player.
Interestingly, while these rules aim to reduce time wasting, FIFA are also expanding VAR powers. The system will now be allowed to review second yellow card decisions and even corner calls.
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