Jarell Quansah handed two-game ban at 2026 FIFA World Cup after red card in England's victory over Mexico, starting with Norway quarter-final clash

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England's right-back woes have deepened as Jarell Quansah will serve a two-match ban, beginning with the World Cup quarter-final against Norway, after being sent off in the last-16 victory over Mexico.

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The Bayer Leverkusen defender will therefore be unavailable for a potential semi-final clash with Argentina or Switzerland should The Three Lions progress on Saturday.

Quansah was shown a straight red card at the Azteca by referee Alireza Faghani following a VAR review after catching Jesus Gallardo with a reckless challenge early in the second half, with England leading 2-1.

The incident led to a frenzied conclusion to the game as Harry Kane extended the lead from the penalty spot before Raul Jimenez responded in kind, setting up a dramatic final 20 minutes as Thomas Tuchel’s side held on under sustained pressure to reach the last eight.

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Quansah’s tackle was judged to be serious foul play, with a two-game suspension therefore applying as a breach of article 14 of the FIFA code of conduct.

Tuchel was unhappy with the decision after the game, saying: "It's just not good enough.

”The referees are just not good enough, fourth officials are just not good enough. That's the bottom line."

Quansah's absence leaves Tuchel once again facing a tough selection question over who should start on the right side of his back four.

The right-back dilemma has tormented the England manager from the get-go, with Tino Livramento suffering an injury that ruled him out of the tournament before it started.

The decision to replace him with centre-back Trevoh Chalobah has since come in for some criticism due to the fitness issues that have limited the game time of the only remaining specialist right-back in the squad, Reece James.

The Chelsea man injured his hamstring in England’s second group game, a 0-0 draw with Ghana, and has not featured since.

Recent reports suggest James will not be available against Norway after being unable to train on Wednesday.

The remaining options appear to be Djed Spence, who is also struggling with a minor knock, and Ezri Konsa, whose natural role is in the centre of defence.

England’s defence is likely to be stressed by the Norwegians, who are spearheaded by Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland.

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Haaland’s seven-goal haul at the World Cup thus far has only been bettered by Argentina legend Lionel Messi, with eight.

The quarter-final clash between England and Norway kicks off in Miami at 22:00 UK time on Saturday, July 11.

The suspension process at the World Cup has come under scrutiny since the controversial decision to suspend United States striker Folarin Balogun’s one-game ban following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the last 32.

An intervention from American President Donald Trump led to the intervention, leading to a huge backlash as UEFA said FIFA had ”crossed a red line” and Belgium – the USA’s next opponents – said they were ”astonished” by the move.

Belgium went on to thrash the United States 4-1 to reach the quarter-final despite Balogun leading the line for the co-hosts.

The FA reportedly considered appealing the decision to suspend Quansah on the back of the Balogun case, but Quansah's absence has now been confirmed.

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