Tuchel Slams World Cup Refereeing After England's 3-2 Mexico Win

Q: After a US player's controversial reprieve, will England appeal Jarell Quansah's red card before the quarter-final?

England are unlikely to appeal Jarell Quansah’s suspension before the quarter-final, although the Balogun case has clearly created pressure to consider it. Quansah’s red card against Mexico was confirmed after a VAR review, so the issue is not really overturning the on-field decision but asking FIFA to suspend the automatic one-match ban, as it did for USA forward Folarin Balogun under Article 27 of the disciplinary code. That reprieve has been widely cited as a precedent, and figures including Wayne Rooney and former FIFA referee Keith Hackett have argued England should seek the same treatment. But Thomas Tuchel’s comments point the other way. He said he did not think Quansah’s challenge was a red card, yet he also questioned the integrity of FIFA’s process and where such interventions would stop. His remarks suggested discomfort with pursuing a route that could deepen the controversy over inconsistent officiating and disciplinary standards. His joke about Harry Kane asking Donald Trump for help underlined the absurdity he sees in the situation rather than a clear plan to act. So, while an appeal or request for a suspended ban is theoretically possible and now has a recent precedent, there is no firm indication England will formally lodge one. Based on the available reporting, Quansah remains expected to miss the Norway quarter-final unless FIFA is approached and acts unusually quickly.

3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jul 6

Thomas Tuchel said World Cup officiating has been "erratic" and "unreliable" after England survived Mexico 3-2 with 10 men at the Azteca.
Quansah's red card after a VAR review and Mexico's penalty—awarded after another check for Kane's foul—drove Tuchel's complaint that players no longer know what standard to expect.
England will face Norway in Saturday's quarter-final in Miami without Quansah, who is suspended, and without Jordan Henderson, whose broken wrist requires surgery after a post-match celebration fall.
Tuchel said the chaotic win strengthened England's belief they can go all the way, arguing that once the tournament reaches the last eight, every team can win it.