More than a week after the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded, the International Football Association Board (IFAB) has admitted that Switzerland striker Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during the quarterfinal against Argentina.

The decision has renewed discussion around the use of VAR after the dismissal played a major role in one of the tournament’s most debated knockout matches. Switzerland eventually lost 3-1 after extra time, with Argentina advancing to the semifinals before finishing runners-up to Spain in the final.

Controversial VAR review changed the game

Switzerland found themselves behind before halftime but responded with an impressive second-half performance. The European side controlled long periods after the restart, repeatedly testing Argentina’s defence and eventually scoring a deserved equaliser.

With momentum on their side, Switzerland looked capable of causing one of the biggest upsets of the tournament. That changed in the 72nd minute.

Breel Embolo went to ground following a challenge from Leandro Paredes. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially showed a yellow card to the Argentina midfielder for the foul.

Following a VAR review, however, the decision was reversed. Officials concluded there had been no foul and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation. Since the Swiss forward had already been booked earlier in the match, the second yellow card resulted in his dismissal.

Reduced to 10 players, Switzerland defended resolutely but eventually conceded twice in extra time as Argentina secured a 3-1 victory.

IFAB explains why the decision was incorrect

On Monday, IFAB clarified that the VAR protocol was incorrectly applied during the incident. The governing body explained that the “mistaken identity” provision does not allow officials to review or overturn a yellow card offence unless the purpose is to identify the correct player.

“A yellow card (caution) which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised; the offence itself cannot be reviewed / changed,” the statement read.

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IFAB added that the issue will be examined as part of a wider review of VAR procedures. “The use of the mistaken identity clause to deal with simulation during the FIFA World Cup 2026 was well received and will be included in the detailed review of the VAR protocol… however, it may not be used as such until that review is concluded.”

Switzerland left frustrated after quarterfinal exit

The dismissal became one of the defining moments of Switzerland’s campaign. The team had reached its first FIFA World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 and looked capable of taking the match deep before losing a player.

The incident also came after earlier criticism of officiating during Argentina’s knockout matches. Following their Round of 16 defeat, Egypt had questioned several refereeing decisions during the tournament.

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After the quarterfinal, Switzerland coach Murat Yakin voiced his disappointment with the decision.

“The referee made the wrong decision. “I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game today. It is very painful, and to be eliminated in that way hurts a lot,” he said. 

The latest clarification from IFAB has now confirmed that the controversial decision should not have resulted in Embolo’s sending off, keeping the debate over VAR and football’s laws firmly in focus even after the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

FAQs

Why did IFAB admit Breel Embolo’s red card was wrong?

IFAB said the VAR protocol was applied incorrectly, meaning Embolo should not have received the second yellow card for simulation.

How did Embolo’s dismissal affect the Argentina vs Switzerland match?

Switzerland played with 10 men after the 72nd-minute red card and eventually lost 3-1 to Argentina in extra time.