Seventeen players from the remaining World Cup teams could miss the semi-finals if they receive a yellow card in their quarter-final matches. England and Morocco have the highest number of players walking the disciplinary tightrope, with four each. FIFA's suspension rules will reset yellow-card records after the quarter-final stage, offering relief to those who avoid a booking.
Players Under Suspension Threat
The issue has gained attention after the controversy surrounding United States striker Folarin Balogun, whose suspension was overturned by FIFA, making him eligible for the round of 16 against Belgium despite a previous red card. Under FIFA's disciplinary regulations, any player who has already collected a yellow card during the knockout rounds will be suspended for the semi-finals if they receive another caution in the quarter-finals.
Morocco
Morocco have four players at risk: Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal, and Bilal El Khannouss. Hakimi, a key attacking full-back, would be a significant loss if booked.
England
England also have four players on the brink: Jude Bellingham, Nico O'Reilly, Declan Rice, and Marc Guehi. Bellingham controversially escaped a red card in the group game against Ghana.
Switzerland
Three Swiss players—Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, and Miro Muheim—are one booking away from suspension after helping eliminate Colombia.
France
France have two players facing disciplinary concerns: Michael Olise and Manu Kone. Olise, France's brightest creative player with five assists, is just one assist away from equaling Pelé's record for the most assists in a single World Cup, according to Squawka.
Other Nations
Spain's Ferran Torres, Norway's Antonio Nusa, Belgium's Brandon Mechele, and Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel are also at risk.
Yellow Cards Reset After Quarter-Finals
According to Fox Sports, FIFA's disciplinary rules state that yellow-card accumulations are cleared after the quarter-finals, meaning players who avoid another caution will enter the semi-finals with a clean record. That reset allows teams to approach the latter stages without worrying about suspensions carrying into a potential final.
Legit.ng previously reported that Opta's supercomputer projections identify France as favourites to win the 2026 World Cup after the round of 16, with Spain and Argentina among the leading contenders.
