Eleven players representing six countries are heading into the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals under the threat of suspension, with just one more yellow card enough to rule them out of the semi-finals.
Following Morocco’s elimination from the tournament, the Atlas Lions’ four cautioned players have dropped off FIFA’s disciplinary watchlist, leaving 11 footballers still at risk.
According to FIFA’s disciplinary rules, any player who accumulates two yellow cards before the semi-final stage will automatically serve a one-match suspension.
England has the highest number of players in danger of missing a potential semi-final clash, with Jude Bellingham, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly and Declan Rice all carrying yellow cards into the last-eight fixtures.
Switzerland also has three players on the watchlist — Miro Muheim, Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria — while Belgium’s Brandon Mechele, Argentina’s Gonzalo Montiel, Norway’s Antonio Nusa and Spain’s Ferran Torres each face the same disciplinary risk.
Players One Booking Away from Suspension
England
- Jude Bellingham – Midfielder
- Marc Guehi – Defender
- Nico O’Reilly – Midfielder
- Declan Rice – Midfielder
Switzerland
- Miro Muheim – Defender
- Granit Xhaka – Midfielder
- Denis Zakaria – Midfielder
Belgium
- Brandon Mechele – Defender
Argentina
- Gonzalo Montiel – Defender
Norway
- Antonio Nusa – Forward
Spain
- Ferran Torres – Forward
As the race for a place in the World Cup semi-finals intensifies, the affected players must carefully manage their challenges and tackles to avoid another caution that would trigger an automatic suspension.