Tracking Red Cards and Suspensions at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Group Stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already brought intense moments, with players needing to stay cautious around referees as the competition moves forward. A red card can have a significant impact during the group phase, as any player dismissed faces an automatic ban for their nation's next fixture. This often means teams lose important squad members at critical junctures.

The Sporting News is monitoring every red card issued throughout the tournament, providing an up-to-date list of all player suspensions.

How Many Players Have Been Sent Off?

So far, seven players have received red cards during this World Cup. These expulsions stem from various offenses such as serious foul play, violent conduct, denying an obvious goal-scoring chance (DOGSO), or accumulating two yellow cards in a single match. One notable rule tweak allows referees to hand out straight reds for players covering their mouths when confronting opponents, a penalty applied to Paraguay's Miguel Almiron against Turkey.

Each red card triggers an automatic suspension, which can quickly disrupt team plans as they aim for the knockout rounds.

Players Sent Off at the 2026 World Cup

Red cards have shaped some unforgettable World Cup moments, whether through disputed send-offs or suspensions that shifted a tournament's momentum. The last two editions, 2018 and 2022, saw the lowest number of red cards in modern times, with just four players sent off across 64 matches each.

In contrast, the 2006 World Cup in Germany holds the record for the highest count, with 28 red cards handed out during the event.

*Ongoing tournament