CORNERFLICK
The 2026 World Cup has begun with a sharper line from referees, as Pierluigi Collina has urged officials not to hesitate over yellow or red cards.
The first week of the tournament has drawn attention for the number of bookings and dismissals, with referees taking a firm approach to hard tackles and unsporting behaviour. The aim appears to be tighter control of matches and less room for tensions to build.
That approach was on show in the opening game, which featured several significant disciplinary decisions and ended with three players sent off. It has already forced teams to pay closer attention to discipline and game management.
Observers say the policy under Collina, the head of FIFA’s referees committee, is built around strict application of the laws and quick action on offences. The wider hope is to prevent flashpoints and keep the focus on the football.
There is also a clear change from the previous World Cup, when more stoppage time made games feel longer and less even. This time, referees are being encouraged to keep the pace up and avoid unnecessary delays.