England coach Tuchel jokes Trump could help overturn Quansah red card

England manager Thomas Tuchel criticised FIFA’s disciplinary process after defender Jarell Quansah received a straight red card for a tackle on Jesús Gallardo during the World Cup match against Mexico. The decision, upheld after a VAR review, means Quansah will miss England’s quarter‑final against Norway.

Tuchel, speaking to Finnish media, half‑jokingly suggested that captain Harry Kane might ask U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene and reverse the sanction. Trump later praised FIFA’s handling of the case on social media and, according to U.S. outlets, raised the matter in a call with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The episode sparked broader debate about consistency in FIFA’s post‑match punishments, highlighted by the recent conditional ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and criticism from the Belgian FA.

The comments underscore ongoing tensions over the governing body’s disciplinary consistency during the tournament.