Switzerland's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina descended into controversy on Saturday after a VAR review for mistaken identity led to striker Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card for simulation, leaving the Swiss a man down for 67 minutes. The decision, which overturned a yellow card originally given to Argentina's Leandro Paredes, sparked fury from the Swiss camp and ultimately contributed to their 2-0 extra-time defeat.
VAR Review Overturns Yellow Card, Embolo Sent Off
The key moment came in the 72nd minute when Embolo darted upfield and went to ground under pressure from Paredes. Referee João Pinheiro initially booked Paredes for a reckless challenge. However, video assistant referee Guillermo Pacheco Larios recommended a review for mistaken identity after footage showed Embolo beginning his fall before contact was made. Pinheiro then changed the offense to simulation by Embolo, who had already been booked in the first half for a foul on Paredes, resulting in a red card.
"It's completely not understandable," Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin said. "I know that they will protect their referee but this rule destroyed the game today."
Rule Change Expands 'Mistaken Identity'
The International Football Association Board (IFAB) expanded the definition of mistaken identity before the 2026 World Cup to cover situations where a player was booked but the offense was committed by the other team. This was the second time the rule was applied in the tournament, following its use in the United States' opening game against Paraguay, where Tim Ream's yellow card was rescinded and given to Paraguay's Miguel Almirón for diving.
"This is a rule that in my opinion has nothing to do with football," Yakin said. "The fact that they introduced such a rule is just unnecessary. It is just extremely hurtful."
Embolo in Tears, Switzerland Forced to Play Extra Time with 10 Men
Embolo broke down in tears and had to be escorted off the pitch by teammates. Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute and were growing into the game before the red card. They then had to play all of extra time with 10 men, eventually conceding twice in nine minutes to exit the tournament.
"You can imagine how he's doing," Yakin said of Embolo. "He is shattered. He couldn't help the team today. It hurts us and it hurts him. It was a referee mistake."
Switzerland midfielder Remo Freuler added: "I don't understand how can VAR change a game with this situation. Just let the referee do this thing, you know?"
