England reaches quarterfinals with 3-2 win, Quansah sent off

England advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Sunday, July 5, after surviving a chaotic and contentious 3-2 victory over Mexico in Mexico City. The match at the Estadio Azteca was defined by a second-half red card to defender Jarell Quansah that forced the Three Lions to play with ten men for nearly 40 minutes.

England had taken a 2-1 lead into halftime thanks to a first-half brace from Jude Bellingham, with Mexico's Julián Quiñones scoring just before the break. The game turned in the 54th minute when Quansah, the Bayer Leverkusen defender, launched into a sliding challenge on Mexican left-back Jesús Gallardo. While Quansah made contact with the ball first, his momentum carried him through with his studs raised, catching Gallardo high on the shin.

Australian referee Alireza Faghani initially allowed play to continue, but a video assistant referee review prompted him to consult the pitchside monitor. After reviewing the footage, Faghani returned to the field and showed Quansah a straight red card. The decision ignited a massive touchline melee, with players and staff from both benches confronting each other before officials restored order.