FIFA has received calls from fans to appoint Alireza Faghani as the referee for the World Cup final after his controversial performance in England's 3-2 victory over Mexico in the round of 16. The Australian-Iranian official made several VAR-influenced decisions that divided opinion, including awarding two penalties and sending off England defender Jarrell Quansah.
Faghani's Key Decisions Spark Debate
Faghani's first major decision came early in the second half when Quansah initially escaped punishment for a high challenge on a Mexico player. After VAR intervention, Faghani reviewed the pitch-side monitor and upgraded the yellow card to a red, a decision endorsed by BBC pundit Alan Shearer, who said the replay looked 'horrible'.
Minutes later, Faghani awarded England a penalty after Mexico goalkeeper Raul Rangel was judged to have fouled Anthony Gordon. The most contentious call came when Faghani awarded Mexico a penalty following another VAR review, ruling that Harry Kane had committed a foul. This allowed Mexico to reduce the deficit to 3-2 against 10-man England.
Shearer and Tuchel Criticise Officiating
Alan Shearer, on commentary for the BBC, disagreed with the penalty against Kane. "Kane does clip the player's foot but that is not enough to give a penalty for me. That's a kick of the foot, that's not a penalty. He does clip his foot but not enough to give a penalty away," Shearer said. "I didn't think it was the right decision. I didn't think it was a clear and obvious error."
Former Premier League referee Darren Cann sided with the decision, but England manager Thomas Tuchel was furious. "Just not good enough. The referees just aren't good enough, fourth officials just not good enough. It's the bottom line," Tuchel said. He questioned the VAR officials, all from South America, and insisted the penalty should not have been overturned.
Fans Split on Faghani's Performance
Despite Tuchel's criticism, many World Cup fans praised Faghani. One fan said: "Alireza Faghani is the most experienced referee at the 2026 FIFA World Cup; the only center referee in history to be appointed to four consecutive FIFA World Cups. Based on performance, he deserves to be the referee for the World Cup Final." Another added: "Alireza Faghani should be the referee for the final. He has been spotless and completely fair throughout this World Cup."
However, others were critical. One fan said: "The worst refereeing so far in this World Cup... Alireza Faghani." Another called him "the worst referee I've ever seen in my entire life," and a third claimed he was "too easily influenced by the crowd and occasion."
England Advance to Quarter-Finals
Controversy aside, goals from Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane secured England's passage into the quarter-finals. The Three Lions will face Norway on Saturday night in the last eight.
