At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, footballers could face a straight red card if they cover their face while engaging in heated exchanges with opponents on the pitch. The measure forms part of a broader set of disciplinary changes approved by the International Football Association Board (IFAB).
The decision was taken at a special IFAB meeting held in Vancouver, Canada, on Tuesday, where two proposals put forward by FIFA were formally endorsed. Under the new framework, players may also be shown a red card if they leave the field in protest against a referee’s decision.
The changes follow incidents that prompted disciplinary review within international football. One such case referenced was the Africa Cup of Nations final on 18 January, involving Morocco and Senegal, where an on-field disruption contributed to scrutiny of player conduct and match control procedures.
The issue of players covering their faces during on-field conversations gained further attention in February during a UEFA Champions League play-off match. In that fixture, Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni was observed covering his face with his shirt while speaking to Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior. The incident led to allegations of racist conduct, resulting initially in a one-match suspension. Following a UEFA investigation, Prestianni was later found guilty of homophobic behaviour and received a six-match ban, three of which were suspended.
The matter was further discussed at IFAB’s Annual General Meeting in Wales last month, with members agreeing to revisit the proposals ahead of the FIFA Council meeting in Vancouver. IFAB confirmed that the new rules may initially be applied on a trial basis, although FIFA has stated they will be enforced at the 2026 World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the intention behind the rule changes is to introduce a preventive effect in football governance. He supported the introduction of strict sanctions, including red cards, in cases where players conceal their faces while speaking in situations that could involve discriminatory or inappropriate remarks.
Infantino said that if a player covers their face while making comments that result in racist behaviour, they must be removed from the field. He added that such conduct implies the player is aware of making inappropriate remarks, arguing that there would otherwise be no need to hide one’s face during communication on the pitch.
The disciplinary framework will also extend to team officials. Any official found to have encouraged players to leave the field of play may face sanctions. Furthermore, if a team is deemed responsible for abandoning a match, they will be recorded as having forfeited the fixture.
Summary of Key Measures
| Issue | Regulation | Possible Sanction |
|---|---|---|
| Covering face during on-field verbal exchanges | Considered potential misconduct depending on context | Red card |
| Leaving the pitch in protest at referee decisions | Breach of match discipline | Red card |
| Officials encouraging withdrawal from play | Accountability for match disruption | Disciplinary action against officials |
| Team causing abandonment of match | Forfeiture of fixture | Walkover defeat |
According to the approved framework, the final decision on disciplinary action will rest with the match referee, who must assess the full context of each situation before issuing punishment.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.