fifa world cup 2026 news

FIFA is preparing to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players are suspended for key knockout matches in North America.

An extra amnesty for yellow cards, wiping player disciplinary records twice during the expanded tournament, will be proposed at a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday, people familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity as the decision is not yet official.

At the World Cup, players must serve a one-match ban if they are shown yellow cards in two different matches. In previous editions, yellow cards were cancelled after the quarterfinal stage.

That ensured no player would miss the final through suspension only because of receiving a yellow card in the semifinal.

ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations

The expanded 48-team World Cup format, which includes an extra round-of-32 knockout stage, led to a FIFA review aimed at helping keep players on the field.

FIFA proposes to clear the disciplinary records of players who have one yellow card after the three-match group stage, allowing them to start the knockout phase afresh.

A second amnesty after the quarterfinals will apply to players who receive one yellow card during the three previous knockout rounds and whose teams advance to the semifinals.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#FIFA #proposes #yellowcard #rule #change #reduce #World #Cup #suspensions">

FIFA proposes yellow-card rule change to reduce World Cup suspensions FIFA is preparing to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players are suspended for key knockout matches in North America.An extra amnesty for yellow cards, wiping player disciplinary records twice during the expanded tournament, will be proposed at a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday, people familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity as the decision is not yet official.At the World Cup, players must serve a one-match ban if they are shown yellow cards in two different matches. In previous editions, yellow cards were cancelled after the quarterfinal stage.That ensured no player would miss the final through suspension only because of receiving a yellow card in the semifinal.ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associationsThe expanded 48-team World Cup format, which includes an extra round-of-32 knockout stage, led to a FIFA review aimed at helping keep players on the field.FIFA proposes to clear the disciplinary records of players who have one yellow card after the three-match group stage, allowing them to start the knockout phase afresh.A second amnesty after the quarterfinals will apply to players who receive one yellow card during the three previous knockout rounds and whose teams advance to the semifinals.Published on Apr 28, 2026 #FIFA #proposes #yellowcard #rule #change #reduce #World #Cup #suspensions

April 28, 2026

Sports news

FIFA is preparing to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players are suspended for key knockout matches in North America.
An extra amnesty for yellow cards, wiping player disciplinary records twice during the expanded tournament, will be proposed at a meeting of FIFA’s ruling council on Tuesday, people familiar with the plan told The Associated Press. They spoke on condition of anonymity as the decision is not yet official.
At the World Cup, players must serve a one-match ban if they are shown yellow cards in two different matches. In previous editions, yellow cards were cancelled after the quarterfinal stage.
That ensured no player would miss the final through suspension only because of receiving a yellow card in the semifinal.
ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations
The expanded 48-team World Cup format, which includes an extra round-of-32 knockout stage, led to a FIFA review aimed at helping keep players on the field.
FIFA proposes to clear the disciplinary records of players who have one yellow card after the three-match group stage, allowing them to start the knockout phase afresh.
A second amnesty after the quarterfinals will apply to players who receive one yellow card during the three previous knockout rounds and whose teams advance to the semifinals.
Published on Apr 28, 2026

#FIFA #proposes #yellowcard #rule #change #reduce #World #Cup #suspensions">FIFA proposes yellow-card rule change to reduce World Cup suspensions

FIFA is preparing to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players are suspended for key knockout matches in North America.

At the World Cup, players must serve a one-match ban if they are shown yellow cards in two different matches. In previous editions, yellow cards were cancelled after the quarterfinal stage.

That ensured no player would miss the final through suspension only because of receiving a yellow card in the semifinal.

ALSO READ: World Cup 2026 prize money could rise further as FIFA holds talks with associations

The expanded 48-team World Cup format, which includes an extra round-of-32 knockout stage, led to a FIFA review aimed at helping keep players on the field.

FIFA proposes to clear the disciplinary records of players who have one yellow card after the three-match group stage, allowing them to start the knockout phase afresh.

A second amnesty after the quarterfinals will apply to players who receive one yellow card during the three previous knockout rounds and whose teams advance to the semifinals.

Published on Apr 28, 2026

#FIFA #proposes #yellowcard #rule #change #reduce #World #Cup #suspensions

FIFA is preparing to tweak World Cup rules on yellow cards to ensure fewer players…

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.

FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.

Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.

“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.

“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.

“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.

Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.

Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.

Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">

Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026 FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.OLYMPIC TRUCEThe idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.Published on Apr 27, 2026 #Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup

April 27, 2026

Sports news

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World Cup, including a public guarantee from federal authorities to refrain from immigration enforcement operations at games and venues, Human Rights ⁠Watch (HRW) said in a report published on Monday.
FIFA World Cup 2026 – the first edition of the global showpiece tournament to feature 48 teams – will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July ‌19. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been the face of a hardline immigration crackdown and deportation drive pursued by the administration of President Donald Trump.
Rights groups have condemned the ‌crackdown, saying it has led to violations of free speech and due process rights and ‌created ⁠an unsafe environment, particularly for minorities. Trump casts his actions as necessary to improve domestic ⁠security and curb illegal immigration.
“FIFA needs to act urgently to address the risks of human rights abuses for athletes, fans, and workers. One concrete thing it should do is work to persuade the Trump administration to establish an ‘ICE Truce,’” HRW said.
“Gianni Infantino (FIFA president) and his FIFA colleagues should use their ‌leverage to demand that the Trump administration do what’s right for the games. Roll back discriminatory travel bans, refrain from abusive immigration enforcement operations in and around World Cup venues, protect children’s rights and commit to uphold freedom of assembly and speech,” it added.
OLYMPIC TRUCE
The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.
ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize
“The FIFA 2026 World Cup will no doubt be one of the greatest and most spectacular events in the history ⁠of mankind, attracting millions of fans from around the world to 11 host cities across America,” White House spokesman Davis Ingle told Reuters.
“This will be a monumental event that requires close coordination between the Trump Administration, ‌FIFA, and all of our great federal, state, and local partners. President Trump is focused on ensuring that this is not only an incredible experience for all fans and visitors, but also the safest and most secure in history – and no amount of ridiculous scare tactics driven by liberal activist groups and the left-wing media will change that,” he added.
Concerns intensified on Thursday when advocacy groups issued a travel advisory warning that visitors travelling to the U.S. for the World Cup may face arbitrary detention or deportation, among ‌other human rights abuses.
Fans, players, journalists and other visitors may face racial profiling, searches of electronic devices, or risk of cruel or inhuman treatment if they end up in immigration detention facilities, according to the advisory.
Thursday’s warnings followed a March statement from Amnesty International that the tournament is ⁠drifting far from the “safe, free and inclusive” event promised by FIFA. HRW also said it had written to ⁠Infantino requesting details about the nominees, judges, terms of reference and selection process for FIFA’s inaugural peace prize.
Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.
“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.
Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup">Human Rights Watch urges FIFA to push for ‘ICE Truce’ at World Cup 2026

OLYMPIC TRUCE

The idea is drawn from the “Olympic ‌Truce,” a tradition dating back to ancient Greece, when warring city-states paused hostilities so athletes and spectators could travel safely to the Games.

ALSO READ | Norwegian FA chief calls on FIFA to abolish peace prize

Trump was awarded the prize in December for what the world football’s global governing body ‌said were his efforts to promote dialogue and de-escalation in troubled hotspots around the world.

“By concocting this award, Infantino risks turning the 2026 FIFA World Cup… into yet another sportswashing event in a world that already has far too many,” HRW added.

Published on Apr 27, 2026

#Human #Rights #Watch #urges #FIFA #push #ICE #Truce #World #Cup

FIFA should press the U.S. government ‌to establish an “ICE Truce” for this year’s World…

More than 120 rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors to the FIFA World Cup 2026 could face “serious rights violations” due to the US government’s immigration policies.

The coalition said fans, players, journalists and other travellers to World Cup games in the United States risked being affected by what it described as the Trump administration’s “draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.”

The grouping called on football’s world governing body FIFA – whose president, Gianni Infantino, has close ties to Donald Trump – to lobby the US government to ensure the safety of all travellers to the tournament.

“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director.

“It’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games,” he added.

The coalition advisory warned that foreigners visiting the United States for the World Cup face specific risks, including “arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention or deportation; invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices; violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement and racial profiling.”

ALSO READ | Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official

The advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.

Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.

FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.

Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.

In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Rights #groups #warn #FIFA #World #Cup #visitors #travel">

Rights groups warn FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors over US travel More than 120 rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors to the FIFA World Cup 2026 could face “serious rights violations” due to the US government’s immigration policies.The coalition said fans, players, journalists and other travellers to World Cup games in the United States risked being affected by what it described as the Trump administration’s “draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.”The grouping called on football’s world governing body FIFA – whose president, Gianni Infantino, has close ties to Donald Trump – to lobby the US government to ensure the safety of all travellers to the tournament.“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director.“It’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games,” he added.The coalition advisory warned that foreigners visiting the United States for the World Cup face specific risks, including “arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention or deportation; invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices; violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement and racial profiling.”ALSO READ | Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump officialThe advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.Published on Apr 23, 2026 #Rights #groups #warn #FIFA #World #Cup #visitors #travel

April 23, 2026

Sports news

More than 120 rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel advisory on Thursday, warning that visitors to the FIFA World Cup 2026 could face “serious rights violations” due to the US government’s immigration policies.
The coalition said fans, players, journalists and other travellers to World Cup games in the United States risked being affected by what it described as the Trump administration’s “draconian immigration and anti-human rights agenda.”
The grouping called on football’s world governing body FIFA – whose president, Gianni Infantino, has close ties to Donald Trump – to lobby the US government to ensure the safety of all travellers to the tournament.
“FIFA has been paying lip service to human rights while cosying up with the Trump administration, putting millions of people at risk of being harmed and their basic rights violated,” said Jamil Dakwar, ACLU human rights program director.
“It’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games,” he added.
The coalition advisory warned that foreigners visiting the United States for the World Cup face specific risks, including “arbitrary denial of entry and risk of arrest, detention or deportation; invasive social media screening and searches of electronic devices; violent and unconstitutional immigration enforcement and racial profiling.”
ALSO READ | Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official
The advisory also said visitors potentially faced “suppression of speech and protest and increased surveillance; cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment – and even death” while detained by US Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Four qualified nations, Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, may find themselves without their supporters due to travel bans imposed by the US government, as Donald Trump has made anti-immigration policy the centrepiece of his second term.
Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.
FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.
Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.
In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.
Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Rights #groups #warn #FIFA #World #Cup #visitors #travel">Rights groups warn FIFA World Cup 2026 visitors over US travel

“It’s past time that FIFA use its leverage to push for meaningful policy changes and binding assurances that will make people feel safe to travel and enjoy the games,” he added.

ALSO READ | Italy dismisses replacing Iran at the World Cup after suggestion by Trump official

The majority of matches at the World Cup, 78 out of 104, are scheduled to take place in the United States, which is co-hosting the tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.

Washington has assured that the administration’s immigration crackdown measures do not affect tourist visas, and, by extension, fans holding tickets for the World Cup.

FIFA has also established an expedited consular appointment process for visa applications, though without guaranteeing that a visa will be granted.

Concerns among supporters have intensified amid ongoing ICE operations targeting undocumented migrants.

In January, two US citizens protesting the immigration crackdown were killed by federal agents in Minneapolis, prompting widespread outrage.

Published on Apr 23, 2026

#Rights #groups #warn #FIFA #World #Cup #visitors #travel

More than 120 rights groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), issued a travel…