Will Elliot Anderson miss FIFA World Cup 2026 final after yellow card in England vs Argentina?

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Published at :July 16, 2026 at 1:44 AM

Modified at :July 16, 2026 at 1:45 AM

NEW JERSEY, USA - JUNE 27: Elliot Anderson of England plays the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup First Stage Group L match between Panama and England at New Jersey Stadium (MetLife Stadium) in East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA, on June 27, 2026. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)

(Courtesy : Getty)

Elliot Anderson was shown a yellow card in the England vs Argentina match tonight.

England are facing Argentina in an exciting FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final clash at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 15. The Three Lions are the slight underdogs in tonight’s game against the defending champions, and their task was made harder when star midfielder Elliot Anderson was booked for a cynical foul on Lionel Messi.

The Argentine skipper showed off his brilliant close control by going past Harry Kane with ease. He then attempted to squeeze between Djed Spence and Anderson, but the pair came in from different directions to sandwich Messi. The latter’s challenge was deemed more serious by referee Ismail Elfath, who opted to book the Manchester City man.

The decision to book Anderson led to a bit of a squabble among both sets of players, although Anderson ultimately did not protest the referee’s decision too much.

Also Read: Why is Nico O’Reilly benched for England vs Argentina?

Is Anderson suspended for final?

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 15: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Djed Spence #25 and Elliot Anderson #8 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images) — ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JULY 15: Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina competes for the ball against Djed Spence #25 and Elliot Anderson #8 of England during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Semi Final match between England and Argentina at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Regan – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Anderson has been one of the best players for the Three Lions in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America. As a result, head coach Thomas Tuchel will need to be careful to protect him from a potential second yellow card in the game.

Furthermore, two yellow cards in two matches in the World Cup result in an automatic one-match suspension. Considering the expanded nature of the tournament, FIFA has added two amnesty periods when the yellow card tally is wiped clean. This happens at the end of the group and quarter-final stages.

As a result, if the Three Lions do survive tonight’s game and progress to the final, Anderson will have just one booking to his name, clearing him to play in the showpiece event on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Will Elliot Anderson miss FIFA World Cup 2026 final?

No. FIFA resets yellow card tallies after the group stage and quarter‑finals, meaning Anderson carries only one booking into the final and will be eligible to play in the final if the Three Lions progress to that stage.

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Sushruta Bhattacharjee

Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.