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FIFA considers yellow card rule changes for 2026 World Cup
via SeneNews1 min read
FIFA is reportedly considering a significant change to its yellow card rules for the upcoming World Cup, according to The Athletic. The proposed amendment would see yellow cards reset not only after the quarter-finals, but also after the group stages. Currently, yellow cards are only cleared after the quarter-finals to prevent players from missing the final due to an accumulation of bookings. Under existing regulations, a player who receives two yellow cards in two different matches is automatically suspended for the subsequent game. The FIFA Council is scheduled to meet on Tuesday in Vancouver to discuss these potential changes for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expansion of the tournament from 32 to 48 teams introduces an additional round, the Round of 32. Without this rule modification, FIFA is concerned that many players could face suspension risks, potentially missing a semi-final after playing six matches leading up to the quarter-finals, as reported by a British media outlet.
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During his two years as Prime Minister, former Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko led an active economic diplomacy, intensifying Senegal's international partnerships. Approximately 50 agreements were signed following 11 official visits to various partner countries. In China, from June 22 to 28, 2025, 16 agreements were signed in industry, housing, and transport, including grants and loans estimated at 100 billion. In Turkey, from August 6 to 10, 2025, four agreements were concluded in energy, agriculture, industry, and defense. In the United Arab Emirates, from September 8 to 12, 2025, agreements were signed in strategic sectors such as energy, mining, health, housing, and digital infrastructure, covering gas network development, photovoltaic power plants, mining projects, and hospital infrastructure. On the African continent, visits strengthened bilateral and regional cooperation. In Gambia December 19–20, 2024, discussions focused on infrastructure, agriculture, fishing, tourism, and the digital economy. In Mauritania January 13–14, 2025, talks concerned the GTA gas project, energy, fishing, and security. In Guinea-Bissau February 23, 2025, a memorandum of understanding was discussed regarding the situation in Casamance. In Burkina Faso May 16–17, 2025, cooperation was strengthened in defense, security, culture, sports, and finance. In Côte d'Ivoire May 30, 2025, bilateral cooperation was consolidated with a portfolio of nearly 49 cumulative agreements. In Sierra Leone June 1, 20
Donald Trump called the US men's national soccer team to wish them good luck for the World Cup, according to a video released by the team. In the call, made on Thursday evening, the former President told coach Mauricio Pochettino, an Argentine, that he believes the team has "a really good chance to go all the way." Trump, who will not attend the team's opening match in Los Angeles, expressed his well wishes despite not being particularly enthusiastic about the sport, though he stated he would watch the World Cup. The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with 48 teams, 32 years after last hosting in 1994. The men's national team hopes to generate public excitement, as they have historically not performed as well in global tournaments as the four-time world champion women's team.
Magistrate Biram Sène, Senegal's Director General of Elections, was unanimously elected president of the Network of Francophone Electoral Competencies RECEF during its General Assembly in Namur, Belgium, on June 12, 2026. This election signifies a new phase for RECEF, which unites electoral administrations from Francophone countries to promote reliable, transparent, and democratic electoral processes. Founded on August 24, 2011, in Quebec, Canada, RECEF aims to strengthen cooperation among electoral institutions, facilitate experience sharing, support the independence of election bodies, and encourage citizen participation. The network has expanded to include 37 member countries across several continents. Past presidents include General Siaka Sangaré of Mali 2011-2021, Tanor Thiendella Sidy Fall of Senegal 2021-2024, and Mathias Barthélemy Morouba of the Central African Republic 2024-2026. Sène's election is expected to usher in a new period of modernization and strengthened international partnerships in the electoral field, highlighting Senegal's role in electoral governance in Francophone Africa and beyond.