A red card in the World Cup means a player is sent off and cannot be replaced, so their team must finish the match with one fewer player. It also usually brings a one-match suspension, with FIFA able to add more punishment for serious offenses.

What gets a red card

A referee can show a red card for serious foul play, violent conduct, spitting, biting, offensive language or gestures, or denying a clear goal- scoring chance. A player can also be sent off after receiving two yellow cards in the same match.

What happens next

  • The player leaves the field immediately.
  • The team cannot substitute that player.
  • The team plays with 10 players for the rest of the match.
  • The player is usually suspended for the next match.

Simple example

If a defender brings down an attacker who was clearly about to score, the referee may show a red card. That means the defender is out for the match, and their team has to defend the rest of the game with 10 players.

In World Cup terms

In tournament play, a red card can be even more costly because it may affect the next knockout match too. If it happens in a semifinal, the player can miss the final unless the decision is overturned or the punishment is changed.