FIFA World Cup 2026: 4 red cards in first 26 matches — equals Russia 2018 full series
2026 World Cup saw 4 red cards in 26 matches. The same figure is equal to the total of the entire series of Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022. Three of these cards were in the Mexico-South Africa opener; The other is in the Switzerland–Bosnia and Herzegovina (2nd round) match.
A total of 4 red cards have been shown after the first 26 matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026 series. This tally is equivalent to 4 red cards issued throughout the Russia 2018 World Cup (64 matches) and 4 cards from the Qatar 2022 series (64 matches).
The highest number of red cards in history was recorded at the Germany 2006 World Cup — when referees showed a total of 28 red cards.
Three of the 4 shutouts so far in the 2026 series were recorded in the opening match, Mexico – South Africa (2–0). The remaining one red card was issued in one of the opening games of the second round of the group stage, Switzerland – Bosnia and Herzegovina (4–1).
Key Number:
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2026: 4 red cards in 26 games
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2018 (Russia): 4 in 64 games
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2022 (Qatar): 4 in 64 games
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2006 (Germany) Record: 28 red cards
These early accounts point to how control judgments change over serial progression; Attention has turned to how this number will move in the next round of matches.
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