Infantino Bans Pitch Walk-Offs at 2026 World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued a clear warning to all nations bound for the 2026 World Cup. He said any team that abandons a match over refereeing disputes will forfeit the game and receive automatic red cards. The warning follows Senegal’s brief walk-off during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. Senegal protested a late penalty award to Morocco, only for CAF to reverse the result and hand Morocco the title by walkover. With the United States, Canada, and Mexico hosting an expanded 48-team tournament, Infantino insists there will be zero tolerance for any repeat. Teams must continue playing regardless of controversial calls or face immediate disqualification.

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