World Cup 2026: Englishman Jarell Quansah with a two-match suspension after

World Cup 2026: Englishman Jarell Quansah with a two-match suspension

English defender Jarell Quansah has been handed a two-match suspension for the red card he received against Mexico. Quansah was sent off in the 54th minute of the 3-2 win after a heavy foul on Jesús Gallardo. Classified as a serious offense, it resulted in an additional match penalty imposed by the FIFA disciplinary committee. The former Liverpool player, now with Bayer Leverkusen, will miss the upcoming quarter-final against Norway and a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland. Quansah will be available if England advance to the final in New Jersey on July 19. The English Football Association (FA) was considering an appeal, but under the tournament's regulations there is no way to appeal the decision. BBC Sport has learned that the FA strongly protested against the procedure that led to the red card decision, arguing that the referee first viewed a static photo of the foul and then slow-motion replays before showing the situation in real time on a pitchside screen, which could have biased the result. In the Premier League, referees always look at full-speed situations first, although the English league is an exception in this regard. The suspension complicates the situation for coach Thomas Tuchel at right-back. Quansah replaced Reece James, who was struggling with a hamstring injury, while Djed Spence was used as a substitute due to minor health problems. Tuchel expressed hope that James would be available for the match against Norway.  Assistant coach Anthony Barry described the decision to suspend Quansah as "disappointing". "A disappointing decision, not the decision itself, but the fact that we are losing a good player," he added. "He has been excellent in training and obviously we have a few injuries in that position, so it seemed like there was an opportunity for Jarell. But the decision has been made and we won't waste any more energy on it. For us, it's another hurdle we have to overcome." Winger Bukayo Saka admitted the ban is "incredibly frustrating for us and for him." "But it is what it is. We have to adapt and choose a team that will win against Norway," he added. FIFA announced that French referee Clement Turpin, who officiated England's match against Croatia, will officiate the match against Norway. The decision to suspend Quansah reveals further inconsistency in the treatment of United States striker Folarin Balogun, who should also have received a two-match ban for a serious offense against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA decided that he would only be suspended for one match and the ban would be suspended for 12 months. Quansah suffered an ankle injury before receiving a red card in a dramatic match in Mexico, where Ezri Konsa finished as right-back. Konsa also made his debut in this position, but Tuchel may be reluctant to move one of his most stable centre-backs to the side given the need for his presence in the middle against Erling Haaland. Trevoh Chalobah and Djed Spence are potential candidates for this position, but Spence feels more comfortable as a left-back in the England squad. Tuchel will want to select a full-back who can complement the playone of England's favorite right wingers, Noni Madueke or Saka. James is getting closer to full fitness, which could solve the problem in this position. --- ## Related Articles 1. [USA close to winning the 2026 World Cup group thanks to changed tiebreak rules](https://bialoczerwoni.live/pl/news/usa-blisko-wygrania-grupy-na-ms-2026-dzieki-zmienionym-zasadom-tiebreaku) 2. [Senegalese fans outraged by US visa restrictions for the 2026 World Cup](https://bialoczerwoni.live/pl/news/senegalscy-kibice-oburzeni-restrykcjemi-wizowych-usa-na-mistrzostwa-swiata-2026)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Jarell Quansah suspended?

Jarell Quansah was handed a two-match suspension for the red card he received against Mexico for a heavy foul on Jesus Gallardo.

When will Quansah return to the game?

Quansah will be available to play if England advance to the final on July 19.

What games will Quansah miss due to suspension?

Quansah will miss the quarter-final against Norway and a potential semi-final against Argentina or Switzerland.

Has the English Football Association appealed against Quansah's suspension?

The English Football Association considered an appeal, but under the tournament regulations there is no possibility of appealing against this decision.

What health problems do other England defenders have?

Reece James is struggling with a hamstring injury and Djed Spence was used as a substitute due to minor health issues.

Read more on our latest coverage and stay tuned for updates on what happens next.