2026 World Cup: England Furious Over Harsh Suspension: “They Want Argentina in the Final”

England defender Jarell Quansah has been suspended for two matches by FIFA and will therefore miss the team’s next two World Cup games, including a potential semifinal against Argentina or Switzerland. In recent days, the English Football Association had been considering an appeal against the red card the player received, following the overturning of the suspension of Folerin Balogun, a U.S. forward who was spared after Donald Trump intervened directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In contrast, Quansah not only did not receive the same treatment from FIFA’s disciplinary committee but was heavily sanctioned with a two-match suspension for his red card against Mexico.

The FA cannot challenge this decision because there is no appeal process, whereas the Balogun case was handled differently, invoking Article 27 of the disciplinary code. Generally, a red card results in an automatic one-match suspension at the World Cup, but FIFA can extend the sanctions at its discretion. Consequently, Quansah will only be able to play in the final, if England manages to reach it.

The Three Lions defender was sent off for dangerous play after a high and late tackle on Jesús Gallardo. The suspension decision infuriated British fans, who lashed out: “This just goes to show how corrupt the whole thing is,” “We should withdraw from the tournament. Nothing will change until someone takes a stand,” “FIFA has set a precedent, so on what grounds should it overturn one ruling but not the other? All teams and all players must be treated equally; otherwise, it’s a sham,” “I want France and Argentina in the final,” “The tournament has become a farce,” “The script has already been written.”