In the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals, seventeen players are on the verge of suspension due to accumulating yellow cards. Despite the elimination of group stage yellow cards, players who receive two bookings between the round of 32 and the quarterfinals face suspension if their teams progress. Teams like England and Morocco are particularly concerned about potential player suspensions.
Morocco is facing a disciplinary dilemma with four players, including Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal, and Bilal El Khannouss, all one yellow card away from suspension before their quarterfinal against France. France also has key players, Michael Olise and Manu Kone, at risk of missing the semifinals due to disciplinary issues. Meanwhile, England has several crucial players, such as Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, Declan Rice, and Nico O’Reilly, on the brink of suspension.
Notably, Jordan Henderson of England is already out due to injury, while Norway’s Antonio Nusa is also at risk of suspension. Switzerland could potentially lose three influential players, including Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, and Miro Muheim. In the Spain vs. Belgium quarterfinal, Ferran Torres of Spain and Brandon Mechele of Belgium are both one booking away from a ban. Argentina has only one player, Gonzalo Montiel, facing suspension.
Disciplinary records vary among the teams, with Argentina having a booking for every 19.7 fouls and England receiving one yellow card for every 7.7 fouls committed during the tournament.
