With the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals set to get underway tonight, the disciplinary records of the eight remaining teams have revealed a striking contrast, with England emerging as the tournament's most heavily sanctioned side while Norway have picked up the fewest cards.

England have committed 54 fouls across the tournament and have collected a competition-high eight cards – seven yellow and one red so far. On average, England have been shown a card every 6.75 fouls, the worst disciplinary ratio among the quarterfinalists.

At the other end of the spectrum are Norway, who have enjoyed the cleanest disciplinary record. Stale Solbakken's side have committed the fewest fouls among the last-eight teams, with 48, and have received just two yellow cards. That equates to one card every 24 fouls.

Defending champions Argentina come second to Norway in terms of sanctions. Lionel Scaloni's men have committed 59 fouls but have been shown only three yellow cards, averaging one booking every 19.66 fouls.

Among the remaining quarterfinalists, Morocco have committed 61 fouls and received six yellow cards, averaging one booking every 10.16 fouls.

Belgium have committed 60 fouls and collected five cards – four yellow and one red –0 averaging one card every 12 fouls.

France have committed 49 fouls and received four yellow cards, averaging one booking every 12.25 fouls.

Spain, meanwhile, have committed 55 fouls but picked up only three yellow cards, with referees booking them once every 18.33 fouls.

Morocco most fouled side

Morocco have also been the team subjected to the most fouls by their opponents during the tournament.

The Atlas Lions have been fouled 80 times, the highest figure among the quarterfinalists. England are second on the list after being fouled 77 times, while Switzerland have won 75 fouls.

France have been fouled 44 times, Spain 38 and Norway 35, while Argentina and Belgium have each been fouled 54 times.

17 players at risk of suspension

The disciplinary records could have a significant impact in the race for the semifinals.

Under FIFA's disciplinary rules, 17 players are one yellow card away from suspension. If any of them are booked in the quarterfinals, they will miss the semifinal should their team progress.

Morocco and England are the worst affected, with four players each walking a disciplinary tightrope.

For Morocco, Ashraf Hakimi, Issa Diop, Redouane Halhal, and Bilal El Khannouss are all one booking away from suspension.

England have Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Marc Guehi and Nico O'Reilly at risk of missing the semifinal if they are cautioned. Jarrell Quansah, meanwhile, is already suspended for England's last-eight clash against Norway after being sent off against Mexico.

France have two players at risk in Manu Kone and Michael Olise.

Switzerland's Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria and Miro Muheim, Spain's Ferran Torres, Norway's Antonio Nusa, Belgium's Brandon Mechele and Argentina's Gonzalo Montiel are also one booking away from a semifinal suspension.

Yellow cards to be wiped after quarterfinals

There is, however, good news for players who avoid a booking in the last eight.

Under FIFA regulations, all single yellow cards accumulated before the quarterfinals will be wiped after the completion of the round.

As a result, any player who reaches the semifinals without receiving another yellow card will start with a clean disciplinary record, ensuring that no player can miss the World Cup final solely because of an accumulation of yellow cards.