In a recent match during the 2026 World Cup, England’s manager Thomas Tuchel expressed his dissatisfaction with the officiating, describing it as “just not good enough.” This statement came after a heated last-16 clash against Mexico, where the stakes were high and emotions ran wild. Alireza Faghani, the referee overseeing the match, now shares his perspective on the controversial events that unfolded.
On the evening of July 5, at 6pm, Faghani, a 48-year-old Australian-Iranian, found himself taking a much-needed rest in the locker room. The atmosphere around him was electric, with nearly 90,000 fans cheering in the legendary Estadio Azteca. If not for the vibrant crowd, he might have slept soundly through the excitement outside.
This match marked a significant challenge for England, as they faced Mexico, a team that had not suffered a competitive defeat at the Azteca Stadium since 2013. The high altitude, sitting at 2,240 meters above sea level, adds an extra layer of difficulty for visiting teams, who often struggle with the thinner air, making it tough to perform at their peak.
Fonte/Origem: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/sep/05/world-cup-alireza-faghani-england-mexico-azteca