when do yellow cards reset

Yellow cards in World Cup 2026 reset after the group stage , and then they reset again after the quarter-finals. A player can still be suspended before those reset points if they collect two yellow cards in separate matches.

How it works

• After the group stage: all yellow cards are wiped clean before the knockout rounds begin.

• After the quarter-finals: cards are wiped clean again before the semi-finals.

• Same-match second yellow: that still becomes a red card and brings an automatic ban.

Simple example

If a player gets one yellow in the group stage, that booking does not carry into the knockout stage. If they pick up another yellow before the quarter-final reset, they can still face suspension.

Note on other leagues

This reset timing is specific to World Cup 2026 ; domestic leagues often use different accumulation and reset rules.

If you meant a different competition, the reset point can be very different.