17 Players Walking a Suspension Tightrope Ahead of the Quarter-finals

Xtratime Web Desk

With the knockout stage intensifying, a total of 17 players from various teams are just one yellow card away from suspension. Any of them receiving another booking in the quarter-finals will be ruled out of the semi-finals.

The biggest concern is for England and Morocco, with four players from each side at risk.

According to the tournament's disciplinary rules, yellow cards accumulated during the group stage were wiped clean after the group phase. The next reset will only take place after the quarter-finals, meaning players carrying a yellow card into this round must avoid another booking if they want to remain eligible for the semi-finals.

England, in particular, will be keeping a close eye on star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who is among those walking the suspension tightrope.

Players One Yellow Card Away from Suspension

England

• Jude Bellingham

• Declan Rice

• Marc Guéhi

• Noni Madueke

Morocco

• Achraf Hakimi

• Issa Diop

• Redouane El Hallal

• Bilal El Khannouss

Switzerland

• Granit Xhaka

• Denis Zakaria

• Miro Muheim

France

• Michael Olise

• Manu Koné

Argentina

• Gonzalo Montiel

Spain

• Ferran Torres

Norway

• Antonio Nusa

Belgium

• Brandon Mechele

With so many key players at risk of suspension, discipline will be crucial in the quarter-finals. England and Morocco face the greatest challenge, with four players each on the brink of missing a potential semi-final. The spotlight will be particularly on England's Jude Bellingham and Morocco's Achraf Hakimi, whose absence could prove to be a major blow if their teams progress.