A red card in the World Cup means the player is immediately sent off, their team cannot replace them, and they must usually miss the next match. It also applies whether the red comes directly or from a second yellow card.

What it means in the match

  • The player leaves the field right away.
  • The team keeps playing with one fewer player.
  • The referee cannot let a substitute replace the dismissed player.

What happens next

  • The suspended player is normally banned for one game.
  • FIFA can add more suspension time or fines if the offense is serious.

Common reasons for a red

  • Serious foul play.
  • Violent conduct.
  • Spitting.
  • Denying an obvious goal-scoring chance.
  • Getting two yellow cards in one match.

In plain terms: a red card is both an in-game punishment and a tournament penalty, so it can hurt a team right away and in the next match too.