Thomas Tuchel has described the standard of refereeing at the World Cup as “not good enough” and warned that teams risk being eliminated because of poor decisions, after England held on with 10 men to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Mexico at the Azteca stadium. The England manager, visibly frustrated after the match, said that officiating across the tournament has been inconsistent and unpredictable, leaving players uncertain about what to expect during games.
Tuchel’s criticism centred on the sending-off of defender Jarell Quansah, who was dismissed for a bad tackle following a review recommended by the video assistant referee. The German coach argued that the decision was harsh and emblematic of a broader problem with match officials at the finals. “The refereeing has not been reliable,” Tuchel said. “It has been erratic, and that is not good enough for a World Cup. Players do not know what is coming next, and that is dangerous.”
Despite the controversy, Tuchel praised his team’s resilience and character in securing the win, which keeps England firmly in contention for the knockout stages. “This victory fuels our belief that we are here to stay,” he said. “To come to the Azteca, against a passionate Mexico side, and win with 10 men shows the spirit and quality in this squad. We have the belief to go all the way.”
The match itself was a thrilling encounter, with England taking an early lead before Mexico fought back to level the score. The game swung back and forth, and England appeared to have secured the win when they scored a third goal, only for Quansah’s red card to set up a tense finale. Mexico pushed hard for an equaliser, but England’s defence held firm to secure a famous victory.
Tuchel’s comments on refereeing come amid growing frustration among several teams at the tournament over the use of VAR and the consistency of decisions. The England manager stopped short of calling for a complete overhaul of the system but urged FIFA to ensure that officials are better prepared and more consistent. “We need clarity,” he said. “The players deserve to know what is a foul and what is not. At the moment, it feels like a lottery.”
The victory at the Azteca is widely regarded as one of England’s finest performances in recent years, given the hostile atmosphere and the numerical disadvantage for the final stages of the game. The result has boosted morale within the squad and reinforced the belief that England can compete with the best teams in the world. Tuchel acknowledged the significance of the win but warned that there is still much work to be done. “We are not getting carried away,” he said. “This is just one game. But it shows what we are capable of.”
England’s next match will be a crucial test of their credentials, and Tuchel will be hoping to have a full squad available. The manager will also be monitoring the fitness of key players after a gruelling encounter in Mexico City. The team’s medical staff are assessing any injuries sustained during the match, but early indications suggest no major concerns.
The broader context of the tournament has seen several high-profile matches decided by controversial refereeing calls, leading to calls for greater accountability and transparency from match officials. Tuchel’s remarks add to the pressure on FIFA to address the issue before the knockout rounds begin. For now, however, the England camp is focused on the positives of a memorable victory and the belief that they can go all the way in the World Cup.
