England boss Tuchel upset over two-game Quansah ban

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World Cup daily news. We will bring you the latest from around the world as the FIFA World Cup 2026™ gets to the business end (All times AEST).

England boss Thomas Tuchel is “upset” over FIFA’s decision to ban Jarell Quansah for two matches.

Quansah was shown a red card for a studs-up challenge in the dramatic Round of 16 victory over Mexico in Mexico City, meaning he’ll now miss the weekend’s quarter final against Norway and a possible semi-final berth.

After the tackle, VAR intervened to determine that Quansah had erred to Tuchel's dismay.

But the English have been given no reprieve unlike the USA who had striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspended.

It means they’ll be another right-sided defender down after losing Reece James to a hamstring injury earlier in the tournament and Tino Livramento prior.

“It’s crazy, another right defender out in the game,” Tuchel said.

“I never thought that VAR would get involved. In the game, this was not even given a foul. The referee obviously also thought that it’s a hard tackle, but it was okay for him to let it play.

“VAR came, made a decision, and then I just saw the still on the screen. When you see a still then you know. It’s just that you cannot take decisions on a still in a football match. It’s just not possible and they did it, of course, against us.

“I’m very upset, of course. It’s disappointing and a setback. For me, not enough for VAR to overturn the decision.”

The good news for England is that James, who has missed the last three World Cup matches, trained fully and is a chance to play against the Norwegians in Miami on Sunday morning (7am AEST).

"I'M FINE"

Two words French fans wanted to hear from the mouth of captain Kylian Mbappe.

The superstar finished the 2-0 quarter final win over Morocco on the bench after scoring and assisting.

Mbappe made way for Jean-Philippe Mateta in the 76th minute before icing his ankle in the dugout but he has allayed fears of anything sinister.

"I took a knock to the ankle, but I’m fine," Mbappe said post-game.

"At that point, JP (Mateta) was in better shape than I was to play the final minutes."

The 27-year-old has now netted eight goals at this World Cup for a career tally of 20 in as many appearances on the grandest of stages.

He has led Les Bleus to the semi-finals and there are no signs of slowing down.

"The secret to this France team? There’s only one way to relax, and that’s by winning," he added.

"Until we’ve done that, we don’t let up. We’re in the semi-finals and we’re very happy, but there’s still a long way to go.

"We realise that what lies ahead is even tougher than what we’ve been through, but we’re ready to face anything."

Coach Didier Deschamps had complete faith that Mbappe, who had a first-half penalty saved by Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou, would bounce back from the error.

"It’s good, it was a tough match. Today, we missed a penalty and failed to convert some chances," he said.

"With Kylian, there’s no issue, he never doubts himself, even though he had a chance before he scored.

"We are exactly where we wanted to be. We will recover well and see who our opponent will be. I imagine there’s a lot of excitement and passion in France.

"Here, we are in our own bubble, and I am even more so. That’s what we’re here for, and the players have a duty to do everything they can to go as far as possible.

"We’ve cleared a major hurdle."

France will meet the winner of Spain v Belgium in the semi final in Dallas on Wednesday, July 15 from 5am AEST.

Allez Les Bleus!

FRANCE LOOKING UNSTOPPABLE

A third straight World Cup semi-final for France. They are looking unstoppable.

That's also the second time they have eliminated Morocco at a World Cup.

"It is unbelievable," Patrick Viera said. "We're talking about a generation of players and when you look at the squad and the attacking players.

"That is maybe one of the best ever generations on that side, because you have so many players - it is so unbelievable."

Roy Keane was full of praise for the French but insists they are gettable.

"France have got more gears to go," he said on the BBC.

"Morocco were playing on fumes and France were so much better in every aspect of the game, but it doesn't mean that they cannot be beaten.

"France are in a great place. You have your attacking players scoring goals and your individual players going past people.

"Any chance of beating France you have got to score the first goal. Even if they get the first goal, teams have to try come at them, and they will pick you off for fun."

Mbappe scored the opener for his side - setting records in the process. His eight goals and three assists is one of the best individual performances at a World Cup since 1966.

ANOTHER GOAL!

France are cruising now! Morocco totally taken the foot off the pedal and it's 2-0 thanks to Ousmane Dembele. An absolute peach of a strike, perfectly curled around the keeper.

With 25 minutes left you would think this is enough for them to secure their semi-final spot - but stranger things have happened this World Cup.

Winner of this match will play the winner of Spain v Belgium for a place in the final.

FRANCE HAVE SCORED!

Who else but Mbappe? He's back level with Messi for the golden boot and that's 20 goals in 20 internationals.

Mbappe curls one around the glove of Bono!

Mbappé is the first player to have 8 or more goals in two different World Cups. He's only 27!

ENGLAND BLOW

Jarell Quansah has been handed a two match ban following his red card against Mexico.

It means his World cup is either over or he is not available until the final.

0-0 AT HALF-TIME

It's all square at the break.

Morocco managed a late shot on goal through an Achraf Hakimi free kick but to no avail.

France have done the majority of the attacking. Morocco are sitting back.

Only a gilt-edged chance will break the deadlock in this one.

WOODWORK!

Left-back Lucas Digne has had a pop from range and struck the crossbar.

The ball was dipping and swerving and Bounou had little idea of what was happening until the last moment when he got a few finger tips on it.

France are probing.

FRANCE PEPPERING, MOROCCO HOLDING OUT

France are doing all the attacking as we approach half-time.

They've had 10 shots on goal and four on target.

Morocco are yet to test Mike Maignan but they are shading Les Bleus when it comes to possession and passes.

The Atlas Lions will be hard to break down. They are unbeaten in 34 games for a reason.

The French will need to be patient.

PENALTY SAVED!

Wowee.

Kylian Mbappe won a clear-cut penalty after a challenge in the box from Noussair Mazraoui.

For some reason the ref made him wait A LONG time before he could take spot kick.

The result was a limp effort which Moroccan keeper Yassine Bounou saved easily to his left.

The inexplicable delay might just have played on Mbappe's mind. Had too long to think about it.

IT'S A SCORCHER IN BOSTON

Some 33 degrees celsius in Boston.

Gonna be a hot one for the French and Moroccan players.