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World Cup Blow Looms as 17 Players Face Yellow Card Ban

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Seventeen players will enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals one yellow card away from suspension, with another booking set to rule them out of a potential semi-final. FIFA’s disciplinary rules state that any player who picks up a second yellow card of the tournament during the quarter-finals will be suspended for the semi-finals if their team progresses. The list of players at risk grew following the conclusion of the Round of 16 on Tuesday, with 17 players now walking a disciplinary tightrope ahead of the last-eight clashes. Morocco have the highest number of players facing a suspension threat, with Issa Diop, Achraf Hakimi, Redouane Halhal and Bilal El Khannouss all one booking away from a ban. England are in a similar position, with Jude Bellingham, Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice and Marc Guehi also at risk of missing the semi-finals should they receive another yellow card in the quarter-finals. England will also be without Jarell Quansah for Saturday’s quarter-final against Norway after the defender was sent off in the Three Lions’ dramatic 3-2 victory over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. France pair Manu…