2026 World Cup Red Cards: Updated List of Suspended Players During Group Stage

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already seen its share of tension, with players needing to watch their behavior closely to avoid costly red cards. Being sent off during the group stage means an automatic suspension for the following match, which can leave teams shorthanded at key moments.

The Sporting News keeps an up-to-date record of every red card issued so far, helping fans follow who will miss upcoming games due to suspension.

How Many Red Cards Have Been Issued?

So far, seven players have been dismissed in the tournament. Red cards are shown for serious fouls, violent behavior, denying obvious goal-scoring chances, or accumulating two yellows in one match. An unusual rule change this year allows referees to give straight reds if a player covers their mouth during confrontations, as happened to Paraguay’s Miguel Almiron against Turkey.

Each red card leads to an immediate suspension, which can quickly alter team dynamics as they push toward the knockout rounds.

World Cup Red Card Records Over the Years

Red cards have shaped many tournaments, sometimes changing outcomes dramatically. The 2018 and 2022 World Cups saw just four players sent off each, the lowest totals in recent history over 64 matches. On the opposite end, Germany's 2006 World Cup holds the record for the highest number with 28 red cards during that event.