The report says Faghani is set to referee the match after a recent penalty controversy involving Kylian Mbappé. In France-Senegal, he awarded a corner after a challenge involving Sadio Mané and Mbappé, then kept that decision after reviewing the incident on the VAR monitor.
A former Premier League referee reportedly judged the incident to be a clear penalty and expressed surprise that Faghani did not change his call. The 48-year-old is experienced, with a third World Cup appearance ahead of him, but that background has made the decision more difficult to dismiss.
The concern is sharper because Kane reportedly had a penalty appeal rejected in England’s previous match against DR Congo. That leaves the captain entering another high-stakes game with attention likely to focus on every challenge around him.
Kane’s physical style can draw contact, but England cannot rely on marginal decisions. Their attackers must make the difference clearer by moving defenders, attacking space early and avoiding situations where a single interpretation decides the outcome.
Thomas Tuchel’s side cannot allow referee anxiety to disrupt its approach. Mexico’s home advantage and the conditions at the Azteca are already significant obstacles, while a slow start would increase the pressure on every subsequent call.
The next storyline will come with England’s first penalty-box collision. If Faghani sets a firm, consistent threshold, Kane and England’s forwards will need to adapt quickly. If uncertainty returns, their response could define whether England reach the quarter-finals.