When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings before Norway game

Jul 06, 2026 - 11:30
0 1
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup? All the England players on bookings before Norway game

England are in a precarious position when it comes to discipline at the World Cup, with certain players in danger of missing the semi-finals if the Three Lions get past Norway in the last eight.

On Sunday – or the early hours of Monday morning, for viewers in England – Thomas Tuchel’s side emerged as 3-2 winners over Mexico in Mexico City, surviving a rollercoaster game in which Jude Bellingham netted twice and Harry Kane scored from the spot.

But another key moment saw England right-back Jarell Quansah given a straight red card for a high challenge on Jesus Gallardo, while four teammates were booked: defenders Marc Guehi and Nico O’Reilly, and midfielders Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson.

England's Declan Rice is shown a yellow card by referee (Reuters)
England's Declan Rice is shown a yellow card by referee (Reuters)

In the previous game, a last-32 win over DR Congo, Bellingham received a yellow card.

But what do these bookings mean for England against Norway, and then in the semi-finals if England get that far?

First things first: group-stage yellow cards were wiped out after the group stage, so they are irrelevant here. With that in mind, here’s all you need to know:

How many yellow cards equal a suspension?

If a player picks up two yellow cards overall across the last 32, last 16 and quarter-finals, they will be suspended.

How long is that suspension?

The suspension lasts just one game, so if a player were booked in the last 32 and last 16, they would miss a quarter-final; or if they were booked in the last 32/last 16 and the quarter-finals, they would miss a semi-final.

When do yellow cards reset?

Yellow cards reset after the semi-finals, so a booking in the semi-finals does not rule a player out of the final, regardless of what happened in their previous knockout games.

How long is the suspension for a red card?

Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red against Mexico (Getty)
Jarell Quansah was shown a straight red against Mexico (Getty)

A red card (whether a straight red or the result of two yellows in one game) equals a one game ban.

However, a shocking move saw Fifa suspend the red card of USA striker Florian Balogun – earned against Bosnia in the last 32 – by a year, meaning he will be able to feature in their last-16 tie against Belgium.

Donald Trump then thanked Fifa, sparking theories that the US president’s administration had pushed for the punishment to be overturned.

" width="500">

When do red cards reset?

There is no reset on red cards, so to speak, meaning: if a player is sent off in a semi-final, they will miss the final.

Which England players could miss the semi-finals, if England get there?

These players must avoid a booking against Norway to be eligible in the semi-finals, if England get that far: Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi, Nico O’Reilly, Jordan Henderson.

Jarell Quansah’s red card in the last 16 means he will miss the quarter-final, but he will be back in the semi-finals if England make it to that stage.

What's Your Reaction?

Like Like 0
Dislike Dislike 0
Love Love 0
Funny Funny 0
Wow Wow 0
Sad Sad 0
Angry Angry 0

Comments (0)

User