England defensive star gets red card in wake of FIFA’s highly scrutinized Folarin Balogun decision

England and Mexico have not disappointed and there’s sure to be some controversy going forward after Three Lions center back Jarell Quansah was shown a red card for a tackle early in the second half. 

The red card on Sunday meant Quansah was sent off for the rest of the match and is facing a one-game suspension if England advances to the quarterfinals of the World Cup. 

Jarell Quansah (26) of England tackles Jesus Gallardo (23) of Mexico, which results in a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match. Anadolu via Getty Images

Quansah was going for the ball when he slid and hit Jesús Gallardo in the shin dead on with his cleats, sending the Mexican player flying through the air. The referee quickly went to the Video Assisted Referee. 

Fox rules analyst Mark Clattenburg opined that it looked like a play that would get Quansah sent off. 

“He doesn’t go to play the ball, he goes over the top of the ball and he catches a point high on the leg,” he said. “It’s got speed, it’s got force, it’s got malice. I wouldn’t be surprised if Quansah is sent off from the field of play for this.” 

Eventually, the official came out and announced that it was indeed a red card and that Quansah would be sent off for the match, eliciting a roar from Estadio Azteca. 

He became the fourth-ever England player to be sent off in the World Cup, according to the Fox broadcast of the match. 

The aftermath of the penalty will surely be the focus of attention due to the controversy already swirling around FIFA’s decision to suspend the one-match ban that American star Folarin Balogun had been given a red card in the Round of 32 match with Bosnia-Herzegovina. 

Referee Alireza Faghani shows a red card to England’s Jarell Quansah. REUTERS

The decision to allow Balogun to play came after threats of legal action by U.S. Soccer, with attorneys from the federation and the White House involved, and a phone call from President Donald Trump to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, The Post’s Mark Cannizzaro reported.

The decision has made American soccer fans happy, but has caused a stir among others involved in the World Cup, including Belgium, which is the United States’ Round of 16 opponent.