England defender Jarrell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen. [Reuters]
England defender Jarrell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen. [Reuters]

England defender Jarrell Quansah of Bayer Leverkusen has been handed a two-game suspension following his red card in the 2026 North America World Cup round of 16 — a stark contrast to the case of United States forward Folarin Balogun of Monaco, whose ban was waived after President Donald Trump made a phone call on his behalf.

FIFA announced Friday that Quansah had been suspended for two matches. The governing body said Quansah, who was sent off against Mexico on Sunday in the round of 16, violated Article 14 of the FIFA Code of Conduct, adding one additional match to the automatic one-game ban that accompanies a direct red card.

Quansah will therefore be unable to play in England's quarterfinal against Norway at Miami Stadium on Sunday. He would also miss a potential semifinal, and only a place in the final would see his suspension expire.

Quansah had started the round-of-16 match at right back before being shown a red card in the 54th minute for a rough tackle on Mexico's Jesus Gallardo of Toluca. The incident — in which Quansah stepped on his opponent's foot with the sole of his boot — was deemed a "serious foul." England held on to win 3-2 despite the dismissal.

The Football Association appealed the red card, arguing that video review had not been properly applied during the sending-off, according to British outlet The Sun. FIFA's disciplinary committee responded by increasing the ban from one game to two.

United States forward Folarin Balogun of Monaco. [AP]
United States forward Folarin Balogun of Monaco. [AP]

The outcome stands in sharp contrast to the treatment of Balogun. The American striker scored the opening goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on July 2 before receiving a red card in the second half for stepping on the ankle of Tarik Muharemovic during a challenge.

FIFA made the unusual decision to suspend the enforcement of Balogun's ban for one year.

The waiver came after Trump personally called FIFA President Gianni Infantino to request a review of the case, a move that drew widespread criticism, including a threat of legal action from Belgium.

Balogun played in the round of 16 against Belgium, but the United States were eliminated after a 1-4 defeat.


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