England vs Mexico referee demand as Thomas Tuchel’s feelings clear | Football | Sport
England vs Mexico referee Alireza Faghani had a few big decisions to make (Image: Getty)
Referee Alireza Faghani found himself at the heart of proceedings as England emerged 3-2 victors in a chaotic and thrilling World Cup round of 16 encounter with Mexico. The Australian-Iranian official proved divisive following several contentious VAR-influenced rulings and came under fire in a damning critique from Thomas Tuchel.
Yet numerous World Cup supporters believed the referee delivered an outstanding performance and have urged FIFA to appoint him for next week’s final. Faghani faced multiple significant decisions during a pulsating 90 minutes, ultimately awarding two spot-kicks and dismissing England’s Jarrell Quansah.
His first major call arrived early in the second period when Quansah initially escaped punishment for a high challenge. Mexico were furious, with tensions flaring on the touchline as they argued the England defender warranted a red card.
Following VAR involvement, Faghani reviewed the pitch-side monitor and agreed, with Alan Shearer endorsing the decision, acknowledging the replay appeared ‘horrible’. The official then gave England a penalty moments later after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel was deemed to have fouled Anthony Gordon.
In arguably the most debatable ruling, following another visit to the pitch-side screen, he awarded Mexico a penalty with Harry Kane judged to have committed a foul on his opponent. That paved the way for a dramatic conclusion with Mexico reducing the deficit to 3-2 against 10-man England.
Referee Alireza Faghani sent England defender Jarrell Quansah off (Image: Getty)
Shearer, who was on commentary duty for the BBC, believed the referee had made a grave error of judgment. He said: “Kane does clip the player’s foot in there but that is not enough to give a penalty for me. That’s a kick of the foot, that’s not a penalty for me. He does clip his foot but not enough to give a penalty away, goodness me.
“I didn’t think it was the right decision. I didn’t think it was a clear and obvious error. I didn’t think it was enough to turn it over. He gets the red card absolutely albeit by going to the screen fine but I didn’t agree the penalty going to Mexico.”
Former Premier League match official Darren Cann, however, sided with the decision as Faghani continued to divide opinion. Tuchel was incensed by both VAR rulings, insisting the officiating was ‘not good enough’ in an impassioned outburst. “Just not good enough. The referees just aren’t good enough, fourth officials just not good enough. It’s the bottom line,” he said.
“Did I see that right? Three people on the VAR from South America, a match like this? I could be wrong, if this is correct… VAR overturns a clear and obvious mistake for the penalty, absolutely not. VAR gets involved. He didn’t overturn a yellow into a red, he didn’t even give the foul he then overturned a decision that he didn’t give as a foul.
“Referees not good enough, fourth officials not good enough.”
Not everybody shared the England manager’s view, however, with World Cup supporters split between praising Faghani and taking him to task. “Alireza Faghani is the most experienced referee at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; the only center referee in history to be appointed to four consecutive FIFA World Cups,” one said.
“Based on performance, he deserves to be the referee for the World Cup Final.”
Another fan said: “Alireza Faghani should be the referee for the final. He has been spotless and completely fair throughout this World Cup. FIFA must go with him.”
A third added: “Alireza Faghani did a wonderful job officiating the England vs Mexico game… Hope to see him officiate the quarter and semi-final.. Good job Alireza Faghani!”.
“Classic match Bellingham, Raul Jimenez, Anderson, Gordon and the referee put on a clinic tonight,” a fourth said. “Jorge Sanchez had an absolute mare, as did Shearer, completely unlistenable. But really, the referee Alireza Faghani, what a beast.”
England and Mexico fans react to result in Mexico City
On the other side of the fence, one fan bluntly said: “The worst refereeing so far in this World Cup… Alireza Faghani.”
A second added: “Alireza Faghani. You’re the worst referee I’ve ever seen in my entire life,” while another said: “Alireza Faghani should never be given another game as high-profile as that one. Way too easily influenced by the crowd/occasion. Quick to give decisions to Mexico he was reluctant to give to England. Went to his head.”
Controversy aside, strikes from Jude Bellingham and Kane were enough to secure England’s passage into the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will now face Norway on Saturday night in the last eight.
