Tuchel blasts referees after VAR controversies cloud England's 3-2 win over Mexico

Thomas Tuchel launched a stinging attack on the match officials after England survived two damaging VAR interventions to beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca and advance to the World Cup quarter-finals, where they will face Norway.

Jude Bellingham scored twice and Harry Kane converted a penalty to secure a famous win on Mexican soil, but the match was overshadowed by a pair of VAR decisions that swung momentum toward the co-hosts. Defender Jarell Quansah was sent off following a review — referee Alireza Faghani had not initially penalised the challenge — and Mexico were also awarded a penalty after Faghani was directed to the pitchside monitor for a separate infringement in the England area.

Speaking after the final whistle, Tuchel was unsparing in his assessment of the officiating. “Just not good enough. The referees just aren’t good enough, fourth officials just not good enough. It’s the bottom line,” he said.

The England manager also questioned the composition of the VAR team, adding: “Did I see that right? Three people on the VAR from South America, a match like this? VAR overturns a clear and obvious mistake for the penalty, absolutely not. He didn’t overturn a yellow into a red, he didn’t even give the foul — he then overturned a decision that he didn’t give as a foul.”

Tuchel reserved further criticism for Faghani over stoppage time at the end of the second half, suggesting the official extended injury time to accommodate two late corners for Mexico. “At the end it was 11 minutes and he gives two corners to make it 12,” Tuchel said. “Everything went against us, we didn’t give in.”

Despite the controversy, England’s quality proved decisive. Bellingham’s brace gave the Three Lions a platform, and Kane’s penalty provided crucial breathing room as Mexico pressed with a numerical advantage for much of the second period. The win keeps England’s World Cup campaign alive and sets up a last-eight meeting with Norway.