World Cup quarterfinals: Seventeen players face semifinal suspension risk

USA: As the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals get underway, 17 players remain just one yellow card away from suspension, putting several title contenders at risk of losing key players should they reach the semifinals.

Yellow cards accumulated during the group stage were wiped before the knockout rounds. However, any player who receives a second booking between the Round of 32 and the quarterfinals will be suspended for the semifinal if their team advances.

With Morocco now eliminated following its quarterfinal defeat to France, England carry the biggest disciplinary concern among the remaining teams. Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice and Nico O’Reilly are all one yellow card away from missing a potential semifinal.

France, who progressed to the last four, also have two important players walking a disciplinary tightrope. Forward Michael Olise and midfielder Manu Koné would both be suspended for the semifinals if they receive another booking.

Midfielder Jordan Henderson had also entered the knockout stage carrying a yellow card but has already been ruled out after suffering a broken wrist.

Norway winger Antonio Nusa is another player at risk of suspension, while Switzerland could be without three influential figures if bookings go against them. Captain Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Miro Muheim are all one caution away from a ban.

In Friday’s quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium, Spain forward Ferran Torres and Belgium defender Brandon Mechele are also one yellow card away from suspension, with a place in the semifinals at stake.