Why two yellow cards equal a red card for Enzo Fernandez to be sent off, go down to 10 men for Argentina

Argentina will have to finish the World Cup Final with 10 men.

Enzo Fernandez received two yellow cards, which equal a red card and a sending off. In a 0-0 game, it’s a terrible moment as they try to keep up with Spain.

Read more Betnacional Renews Title Sponsorship of Sport Recife Running Event for Second Consecutive Year

The energetic midfielder for Argentina picked up both yellow cards in the second half.

The first came when he was upset about a no-call and screamed and gestured at the referee, so he got a yellow card for dissent.

The second came when Fernandez clattered into a Spanish player after a pass had already been played away.

Both were clear yellow cards, and they bring into action the two yellows equal a red rule.

Another look at the challenge from Enzo Fernández that resulted in his second yellow card and subsequent sending-off. pic.twitter.com/6TAclFhmDY

Read more Betnacional Renews Title Sponsorship of Sport Recife Running Event for Second Consecutive Year

— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 19, 2026

MORE: Ted Lasso and Justin Bieber showed up at halftime

Why do Enzo Fernandez’s two yellow cards equal a red card to put Argentina down to 10 men?

The rules of the game make two yellow cards in one game for a player equal a red.

That’s why players who have already been given one yellow card have to be extra careful.

Usually, a referee is more hesitant to give a second yellow, knowing that it would result in one team being down a man.

But in the case of Fernandez, both were clear, and so he’s gone.

The VAR could review that second yellow, since it equals a red, but there was nothing to be overturned here. The call was correct.

Read more Betnacional Renews Title Sponsorship of Sport Recife Running Event for Second Consecutive Year

More FIFA World Cup news:

• Erling Haaland brought a wild $750 gift home from the World Cup
• An on-brand finish to Neymar’s Brazil career
• Christian Pulisic gives a terrible answer after World Cup-ending loss
• Jerry Jones booed during World Cup match in Dallas
• Actor who played Dani Rojas in Ted Lasso makes pro soccer debut