2026 World Cup Red Cards and Suspensions: Group Stage Tracker
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen intense moments, with players needing to be cautious around referees. A single red card can force a team to play without a vital player in their next match, significantly impacting their chances in the group stage.
Every dismissal means an automatic suspension for the following game, leaving teams vulnerable at critical points in the tournament. Below is an updated list of all red cards issued so far at this World Cup.
Current Count of Red Cards
Seven players have been sent off during the 2026 World Cup group stage. Red cards are given for serious fouls, violent conduct, denying clear goal-scoring chances, or accumulating two yellow cards in one match. One new rule this year allows referees to give straight reds if players cover their mouths when confronting opponents, as happened to Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron against Turkey.
Players Sent Off in 2026
Red cards have shaped many World Cup stories, sometimes causing heated debates or forcing teams into tough spots. The tournaments with the fewest send-offs were 2018 and 2022, each showing only four red cards across 64 matches. On the opposite end, 2006 in Germany had the highest number with 28 red cards.
Below is a comparison of red card totals and averages per match across World Cups:
*Tournament still ongoing
