The 2026 FIFA World Cup is approaching the knockout stage, with several teams already securing Round of 32 berths. The tournament has introduced changes like mandatory three-minute hydration breaks per half and expanded VAR powers to review incorrectly awarded corner kicks. However, disciplinary actions have sidelined six players ahead of crucial final group matches.
Teboho Mokoena (South Africa)
South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena received a yellow card in the 1-1 draw against Czechia, his second booking of the tournament after being cautioned in the opening defeat to Mexico. Under FIFA regulations, two yellow cards in the group stage trigger an automatic one-match suspension, ruling Mokoena out of the decisive clash against South Korea.
Themba Zwane (South Africa)
Veteran midfielder Themba Zwane also accumulated two yellow cards during the group stage, forcing him to miss the match against South Korea. His absence deprives Bafana Bafana of a key creative influence as they fight for knockout qualification.
Siny Lopes Cabral (Cape Verde)
Cape Verde midfielder Siny Lopes Cabral collected two yellow cards in separate group matches, resulting in a one-match ban under FIFA's automatic suspension rule. He will sit out his country's next fixture.
Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Defender Tarik Muharemovic reached the yellow card threshold during Bosnia and Herzegovina's group campaign, earning a suspension. The centre-back will miss his team's following match.
Nathan Ngoy (Belgium)
Belgium defender Nathan Ngoy received two yellow cards in the group phase, triggering an automatic one-match ban. The Red Devils must cope without him in a key fixture.
Miguel Almiron (Paraguay)
Paraguay star Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off under FIFA's new mouth-covering rule. During the match against Türkiye, he appeared to cover his mouth while speaking to defender Mert Muldur during a confrontation. After a VAR review, referee Iván Barton issued a straight red card. FIFA introduced the rule to prevent players from concealing offensive, discriminatory, or abusive comments. Almiron's dismissal rules him out of Paraguay's next match against Australia.
According to Dare Kuti, a CAVB-accredited journalist, these suspensions highlight FIFA's strict enforcement of disciplinary rules at the 2026 World Cup.
