England manager Thomas Tuchel criticised the officiating while hailing his players for what he described as a “heroic” performance after they secured a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
England overcame a delayed kick-off caused by thunderstorms, a hostile atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium and the dismissal of defender Jarell Quansah to book a last-eight meeting with Norway, who stunned Brazil in the Round of 16.
Quansah was shown a straight red card in the 54th minute by referee Alireza Faghani following a VAR review after a reckless sliding challenge.
The Australian referee later awarded England a penalty before also pointing to the spot for Mexico after being advised by VAR to review an incident involving Harry Kane and Brian Gutierrez. Raul Jimenez converted the penalty to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish, although England held on to secure victory.
Quansah will now miss England’s quarter-final against Norway through suspension but will be eligible to return should England progress to the semi-finals.
Despite praising his team’s resilience, Tuchel expressed frustration with the officiating.
“It’s just not good enough. Referees are just not good enough. Fourth officials are just not good enough.
“It’s the bottom line. Is this a clear and obvious mistake for the penalty? For sure not, but VAR gets involved.
“They overturn a situation where he doesn’t even give a foul. Not good enough,” he said.
The England manager commended his players for maintaining their composure despite playing with 10 men in difficult conditions.
“These are the moments in tournaments where you find a way to win.
“This doesn’t feel like a round-of-16 match, it feels like a final. The moment where the referee puts the whistle to his mouth, with 10 men, altitude against a home country… this is a moment of joy and a heroic performance and result.”
Tuchel also praised his players for overcoming the challenging atmosphere inside the iconic Azteca Stadium.
“I didn’t find it hostile, more cheering and emotional. The national anthem was unbelievable.
“We were aware of that but we refused to give in. This team did it on pure will. No words.
“They did it in an iconic match, in an iconic stadium.
“We overcame so much adversity today. Full credit. I’m very proud. A crazy match in a crazy atmosphere, and we were up against all odds.
“Even in the end it was 11 minutes and he gives another two corners to make it 12 minutes. Everything went against us.”
England’s victory was overshadowed by an injury to midfielder Jordan Henderson, who was taken to hospital after injuring his wrist while celebrating the final whistle.
The Football Association confirmed Henderson would remain in Mexico City with a member of England’s medical staff instead of travelling with the squad.
Providing an update, Tuchel said the injury appeared serious.
“Not good. Jordan fell over and injured his wrist. It looks really bad.
“It’s a very special night. Mixed feelings because I’m exhausted and emotional, and sad because Jordan injured his wrist and is in hospital.
“It doesn’t fit the evening that Jordan is not with us.”
England will now face Norway in the quarter-finals as they continue their quest for World Cup glory.
