FIFA Yellow Card Rule Clears Players for World Cup Final

FIFA has confirmed that all yellow cards accumulated before the quarterfinals will be wiped, preventing players from missing the final due to a single booking in the semifinals.

• The 2026 World Cup semifinals are set with France facing Spain and Argentina meeting England.
• FIFA announced that all yellow cards are cancelled after the quarterfinal stage, so a single yellow card in the semifinal will not result in suspension for the final.
• Players who accumulated two yellow cards before the semifinal will still serve a one-match suspension, but that suspension applies to the semifinal, not the final.
• The only way a player can miss the final due to cards is by receiving a red card (two yellow cards in one match) during the semifinal.