FIFA World Cup VAR controversy highlights growing intersection of sports betting and crypto markets

A brutal foul by England defender Jarell Quansah on Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo at Azteca Stadium during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 has triggered a VAR review for a potential red card.

What happened on the pitch

During the Round of 16 clash between Mexico and England on July 5-6, 2026, Quansah committed what observers described as a “terrible foul” on Gallardo. The referee immediately sent the play to VAR for review, with a red card very much on the table.

Quansah, who moved from Liverpool to Bayer Leverkusen, had already been dealing with ankle injury concerns throughout the tournament. His fitness was a question mark heading into the knockout stage, and the aggressive challenge on Gallardo only amplified scrutiny around his selection.

As of the time of reporting, the VAR review was still ongoing, with no final decision confirmed on whether the foul warranted a straight red card or a lesser punishment.

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