The 2026 World Cup has already issued more red cards than the combined total of the last two tournaments.
In 2018 and 2022, each competition saw four red cards, for a combined eight. The current tournament has handed out thirteen, and it is still only halfway through the knockout phase.
Thirteen red cards have been issued in 93 matches, compared with 64 matches in previous editions, reflecting the expanded scope of the event.
The high number of expulsions has drawn particular attention to the case of Folarin Balogun, who was sent off during the United States’ 2‑0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Balogun’s card was later suspended after a senior political figure contacted FIFA, arguing that the player had committed no foul.
Had the suspension not occurred, Balogun would have missed the U.S. match against Belgium later in the tournament.
The intervention has sparked debate over whether FIFA’s decision was influenced by external pressure.
Officials have maintained that the review was conducted by an independent committee and that the red card was overturned because the incident did not constitute a foul.
In a related move, a member of parliament wrote to FIFA requesting a delay in the suspension of England defender Jarell Quansah, who received a red card in the 3‑2 win over Mexico.
Quansah’s suspension would have prevented him from participating in England’s quarter‑final match against Norway.
The most red cards ever issued in a single World Cup were 28, set during the 2006 competition.
As the tournament progresses, the red card count and the controversies surrounding them will remain a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts alike.
