Who had three red cards in the World Cup 2026 opener on their bingo card? Be honest!

Referee Wilton Sampaio was a busy man during Mexico v South Africa at the Estadio Azteca – though three sendings off does make the match sound a lot more feisty than it really was.

It will have been a bit of a shock to the system for many fans, who won’t want to see the tournament derailed by overzealous refereeing.

A preview of Radio Times's World Cup wall chart

Hopefully, that won’t be the case, but what of the players that do get sent off or pick up too many bookings at the World Cup?

Radio Times brings you all the details about yellow cards and suspensions at World Cup 2026.

How many yellow cards for a suspension in World Cup 2026?

If players receive two yellow cards in the tournament, they will receive an automatic one-match ban.

In a bid to cut down on players surrounding referees, officials have been empowered to give yellow cards to players – other than team captains – who approach them.

When are yellow cards wiped in World Cup 2026?

In a tweak for World Cup 2026, yellow card totals will be wiped after the group stage and the quarter-finals.

Previously, they would only be cancelled after the quarter-finals but a change has been made following the expansion to a 48-team tournament.

With teams set to play more matches, FIFA has implemented the rule to ensure there are not too many suspensions for key games late in the World Cup.

How long is a red card suspension in World Cup 2026?

If players receive a red card at World Cup 2026, they will receive an automatic one-match ban.

The punishment remains the same whether a player receives a red card via two yellows or a straight red.

However, FIFA’s disciplinary body have the right to increase the suspension on a case-by-case basis.

There are no appeals for yellow cards or red cards in the tournament.

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Authors

Ned is a sports writer at RadioTimes.com. He has covered a host of sports from EFL football, international cricket and golf all the way through to bike polo and triathlon.