The next Republican presidential debate could have as few as six candidates, meaning Ohio Gov. John Kasich may fail to qualify for the main stage.

The debate, scheduled for Jan. 14 on the FOX Business Channel, has more stringent rules than past events this campaign season.

According to Business Insider, candidates must place in the top six nationally, based on the five most recent polls chosen by FOX.

Or, a candidate must place in the top five in either Iowa or New Hampshire, based on the five most recent polls.

Kasich, who is polling ninth nationally at 2 percent in the most recent CNN poll, would fail to meet the first qualification.

However, a recent poll from American Research Group placed him at third in New Hampshire at 13 percent. If Kasich maintains this ranking in further polls, he could still qualify for the main stage.

Candidates who fail to qualify for the top debate will still get a chance to compete in the earlier undercard event, as long as they poll at least one percent in the most recent five national polls.

Time is running out for primary candidates to shake up the Republican race. The Iowa caucus is scheduled for Feb. 1, while voting in the New Hampshire primary, the first in the nation, takes place Feb. 9.