Yellow alert: Which players from France and Morocco are one booking away from missing the semifinal of the 2026 World Cup?

France and Morocco have reached the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but both sides will have one eye on the referee as well as the opposition. Between them, six players are one yellow card away from suspension and would miss a potential semifinal – against Spain or Belgium – if booked on Thursday.

For France, Michael Olise is the biggest concern after picking up a yellow card in the round of 16 victory over Paraguay. Didier Deschamps also has Manu Koné at risk after the midfielder was cautioned in the same match. While Koné’s place in the starting lineup is less certain, Olise is expected to play a key role once again.

Morocco has an even longer list of players walking the disciplinary tightrope. Achraf Hakimi headlines the group, alongside Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal and Bilal El Khannouss. Any of the four would be suspended for the semifinal should Morocco eliminate France and receive another booking in the quarterfinal.

Expect clever substitutions if the game looks won.

France players one booking away from suspension

• Michael Olise
• Manu Koné

Morocco players one booking away from suspension

• Achraf Hakimi
• Issa Diop
• Redouane Halhal
• Bilal El Khannouss

Which other World Cup quarterfinalists have players at risk?

France and Morocco are not alone. Every nation still in the tournament has at least one player who is one booking away from a suspension.

• Norway: Antonio Nusa
• England: Jude Bellingham, Nico O’Reilly, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi
• Spain: Ferran Torres
• Belgium: Brandon Mechele
• Argentina: Gonzalo Montiel
• Switzerland: Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, Miro Muheim

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