Global Football — Ekhbary News Agency
England dramatically secured their place in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, overcoming Mexico in a thrilling 3-2 encounter. This sets up a highly anticipated clash against Norway in the next round. The victory, achieved despite England being reduced to ten men, showcased the team's resilience on the grand stage.
FIFA Faces Scrutiny Over Red Card Reversal
Off the pitch, former FIFA president Sepp Blatter sharply criticized the organization for rescinding Folarin Balogun’s automatic suspension following a red card. Blatter, speaking on social media, asserted that "Red cards are not overturned by political phone calls," questioning the integrity of the decision ahead of a crucial World Cup knockout match. For what it's worth, even the Belgian prime minister's cat, Maximus, humorously weighed in on the controversy, posting a picture with a red card and stating, "Red card? I'm still playing."
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Meanwhile, Sandro Tonali finalized his transfer to Premier League Tottenham from Newcastle United. He cited Roberto De Zerbi’s "magic" sales pitch as the decisive factor, a sentiment unlikely to endear him to his former club's supporters. This move adds another layer of intrigue to the current football landscape.
Coaching Departure and Tactical Adjustments
In other developments, Carlos Queiroz resigned as Ghana’s national coach. His departure follows the team's disappointing 1-0 loss to Colombia in the first knockout stage, which ended their World Cup campaign. Queiroz, appointed in April, expressed pride in the team's efforts despite the outcome. Looking ahead to England's quarter-final, Djed Spence is widely expected to start against Norway, filling in for suspended Quansah and the injured James. His performance in Miami will be critical in containing Norway's formidable attack, notably Erling Haaland. The confluence of high-stakes matches and off-field controversies underscores the intense scrutiny football faces globally.