Players from the U.S. and Mexico Free from Card Concerns

Stars from the United States and Mexico will not have to worry about missing their first match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup when they play in the Concacaf Gold Cup final this Sunday (4 p.m. PT on FOX).

This is because any suspension resulting from red cards or accumulating yellow cards will be served before the World Cup next year.

According to recent rules set by Concacaf, players from the three co-host nations of the 2026 World Cup — Canada, Mexico, and the United States — will serve suspensions in their next international friendly, rather than during the World Cup.

For instance, Jacob Shaffelburg, from Canada, is set to miss his next match due to receiving two yellow cards against Guatemala in the Gold Cup quarterfinal. However, he can fulfill his suspension during Canada’s friendly matchup in Romania on September 5.

This regulation specifically benefits players from Mexico and the U.S., who together have received nine yellow cards ahead of their Sunday’s final (four for the U.S. and five for Mexico). Any additional yellow or a red card accumulated during this game will result in suspensions for their upcoming friendlies.

The new rule stems from FIFA’s disciplinary code, which mentions that teams hosting a final competition are not required to serve suspensions during qualifying matches and will carry over any match suspension to the team’s next friendly.

This decision contrasts with the Concacaf Disciplinary Code, wherein any outstanding suspensions at the end of a competition would carry over to the next official match of the team or player.