What about Hong Myung-bo's team? "Only strong teams will benefit" — warnings raised over changes to World Cup yellow card accumulation rules

*This content was translated by AI.

With the 2026 North American World Cup approaching, all teams, including South Korea, face a new variable.

On the 28th (Korean time), the UK's BBC reported that "FIFA is considering a plan to reset yellow card records at the end of the final group stage matches and again after the round of 16 in the upcoming North American World Cup."

If the rule is changed, yellow card records would be cleared only after the group stage concludes and again after the round of 16. A suspension would apply only if a player receives two yellow cards in the three group stage matches, or two yellow cards across three matches in the 32nd, 16th, or 8th round.

The fundamental reason is that the number of participating nations has expanded significantly from 32 to 48. In the 2022 Qatar World Cup, which featured 32 teams, a player receiving two yellow cards across five matches — including three group stage matches, the round of 16, and the round of 8 — would be suspended for one match.

However, in this World Cup, both the number of participating teams and the number of matches have increased. Teams must play a total of six matches from the group stage through the round of 8. Consequently, FIFA appears set to change the yellow card accumulation system.

Nevertheless, concerns have been raised that "only strong teams may benefit." Strong teams are expected to actively utilize their star players, as their yellow card records would reset after the group stage regardless of any cards received. If strong teams field their full strength from the group stage onward, weaker teams will inevitably face greater pressure.

Additionally, there is a view that matches could become significantly rougher due to the absence of suspension concerns.

Foot Africa explained, "With the World Cup expanding to a 48-team format, the round of 32 has been newly added, and the tournament schedule has become longer. As a result, FIFA believes the risk of suspensions has increased, and key players may miss important matches in the tournament."

It further stated, "FIFA believes this measure will uphold sporting fairness and maintain the quality of the tournament. However, controversy over suspension penalties may grow, and some argue that the impact of yellow cards may be reduced."

This decision could also affect the South Korean national team. Under the leadership of head coach Hong Myung-bo, South Korea has been drawn into Group A alongside host nation Mexico, South Africa, and the Czech Republic. With the relaxation of the yellow card accumulation rules, Hong Myung-bo's plans may need to be adjusted.

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*This content was translated by AI.