Financial funding and disciplinary sanctions: FIFA adopts unprecedented rules for the 2026 World Cup

In a series of decisions reflecting the major changes expected for the 2026 World Cup, the FIFA Council has approved a package of financial and organisational amendments, the most notable of which include an increase in financial distributions, updates to certain on-pitch regulations, and an adjustment to the yellow card system to align with the tournament’s new format.

These decisions were taken during the FIFA Council meeting held ahead of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada — one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup — 44 days before the tournament kicks off.

According to a FIFA statement, a copy of which was obtained by a the Canary correspondent, the meeting saw the adoption of a package of financial and organisational amendments affecting the largest tournament in World Cup history in terms of the number of teams and matches.

FIFA — record financial increase

On the financial front, the FIFA Council approved an increase in the total prize money allocated to the 48 participating teams to $871 million, a 15% rise compared to previous editions, driven by the tournament’s growing commercial success.

The increase included raising preparation allowances from $1.5 million to $2.5 million per team, and increasing qualification bonuses from $9 million to $10 million, as well as the allocation of more than $16 million in additional contributions to cover the costs of national team delegations and boost ticket allocations, whilst emphasising that the remainder of the proceeds will be reinvested in the global development of football through member associations.

On-pitch disciplinary changes

In terms of the rules, FIFA has approved the implementation of new amendments during the tournament, which will penalise players who cover their mouths whilst speaking to opponents during confrontations.

Penalties will be imposed on players who leave the pitch immediately in protest at the referee’s decisions, as part of a drive to enhance transparency and discipline on the pitch.

Revision of the yellow card system

The Council has also approved an amendment to the yellow card system in line with the increased number of matches in the expanded tournament, whereby yellow cards will be reset after the group stage and then reset again following the quarter-finals, thereby limiting the impact of accumulated cards on players’ participation in the decisive stages of the competition.

Featured image via the Canary