Any player sent off during the FIFA World Cup 2026 will serve a one-match ban — and three players have already fallen foul of that rule after the tournament's opening game.

The suspension applies whether a player receives a straight red card or is dismissed following two yellow cards in the same match. FIFA also reserves the right to impose additional sanctions at its discretion.

Who misses the next game?

South Africa's Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Zwane were both shown red cards during the opening fixture, meaning they will be absent when South Africa face the Czech Republic. Mexico defender Cesar Montes was also dismissed, ruling him out of Mexico's clash with South Korea.

Yellow card accumulation rules

Suspensions do not only come from red cards. A player who collects two yellow cards across different matches will also receive a one-match ban.

However, the slate is wiped clean at two specific points in the competition. All accumulated yellow cards are cancelled at the end of the group stage and again at the conclusion of the quarter-finals, allowing players to start fresh heading into the knockout rounds and the semi-finals respectively.