World Cup: When do yellow cards get wiped out and who are a booking away from suspension?

The World Cup quarter-final is right upon us, with this round kicking off on Friday with Uruguay vs France. Later that same day, Brazil and Belgium will lock horns before Sweden takes on England and Croatia faces host nation Russia on Saturday.

A lot is at stake for the remaining nations and their players, especially since a few of them are in danger of missing out on the semi-final through suspension. As a result, a few key names will have to be on their best behavior while giving it their all to secure progression.

What is the FIFA rule regarding yellow card accumulation and suspensions? When do they get wiped out? Who is in danger of missing out on the last four? Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the quarter-finals.

FIFA’s yellow-cards rule at the World Cup

It’s simple: pick up two yellow cards in two different matches in the tournament and you will get suspended. It is for this reason that Casemiro will play no part in Brazil’s clash with Belgium after receiving a second booking in the 2-0 win over Mexico. 

Do they get wiped out?

Yes, they do, just like in the Champions League. Once the quarter-finals end, everything will be reset and each player will get a clean slate. However, this is only after the last-eight wraps up, meaning a player could be suspended for the semi-finals if he picks up a second yellow card during the quarter-finals.

Who are in danger of being suspended?

Uruguay: Rodrigo Bentacour

Oscar Tabarez’s side has little to worry about. Only one man could be suspended for the next round should they overcome France and that is Rodrigo Bentancur. He is an attacker and thus should complete the game without going into the referee’s book.

France: Giroud, Pogba, Tolisso, Pavard

Things are a bit tricky for Les Bleus. Matuidi is suspended and four other players are one yellow card away from following suit. Pavard and Pogba are most likely to pick up a costly booking which would result in them missing out on the clash with Brazil or Belgium in the semis.

Brazil: Coutinho, Neymar

Casemiro is unavailable for this round and the Selecao will be keen not to lose their two attackers for the next stage. Tite will likely advise them to keep their temper in check.

Belgium: De Bruyne, Dendoncker, Meunier, Tielemans, Vertonghen

Tactical fouls are all but out of the question for three starters: De Bruyne, Meunier, and Vertonghen. The other two are not huge concerns as they are fringe players.

Sweden: Claesson, Ekdal

Viktor Claesson and Albin Ekdal are two key midfielders for Sweden and will thus feature in the clash with England. Whether they will get suspended or not should not be their biggest concern as they must first eliminate the Three Lions.

England: Walker, Loftus-Cheek, Henderson, Lingard

Of these four men, only Loftus-Cheek is unlikely to start. As a result, the “it’s coming home” campaign could receive a huge blow on Saturday.

Russia: Gazinsky, Golovin, Kutepov, Smolov, Zobnin

Five Russian players, a number of which are integral members of their starting eleven, are in danger of being suspended for the semi-final. However, their worry pales in comparison to that of their quarter-final opponent.

Croatia: Rakitic, Rebic, Brozovic, Corluka, Jedvaj, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Vrsaljko

Of all these players, losing Raktitic and Mandzukic will be huge blows. As a result, Croatia must be cautious against the host nation.