Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is dismissed after a VAR review during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in Kansas City. Multiple reports say the match is level 1-1 when the incident occurs, and Switzerland are ultimately reduced to 10 men following Embolo’s red card. The controversy centers on a FIFA “mistaken identity” VAR protocol described by several outlets as newly applied in the tournament. Reports say Embolo goes down in the attacking third and the referee initially awards a foul while cautioning an Argentina player. VAR then intervenes and officials determine that Embolo did not receive contact and that he simulated the foul. The earlier yellow card to the Argentina player is rescinded. Embolo is then shown a yellow card for simulation; because he had already been booked earlier, the second caution leads to an automatic red card. Accounts describe immediate dispute from Switzerland players and Embolo becoming emotional after the decision, walking off in tears as Switzerland’s push for a semi-final spot is affected.
Breel Embolo sent off after VAR review in Switzerland-Argentina World Cup quarter-final
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo is dismissed after a VAR review during the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina in Kansas City. Multiple reports say the match is level 1-1 when the incident occu...
- Breel Embolo is shown a red card after a VAR review during Switzerland’s 1-1 quarter-final draw with Argentina in Kansas City.
- VAR applies a FIFA “mistaken identity” protocol, which overturns the initial on-field booking.
- Officials conclude there was no contact and that Embolo simulated the foul; Embolo receives a second caution for simulation.
- The earlier yellow card to an Argentina player is rescinded; Embolo’s second yellow results in an automatic red.
- Switzerland players contest the decision, and Embolo is reported to be visibly emotional after the dismissal.
Switzerland star Breel Embolo was reduced to tears after a new rule contributed to him being sent off against Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash.
48 minutes agoSwitzerland star Breel Embolo was reduced to tears after a new rule contributed to him being sent off against Argentina in their World Cup quarter-final clash.
48 minutes agoBreel Embolo's night ended in heartbreak after the Switzerland striker was shown a red card during his side's FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Argentina, with the dismissal coming after a controversial VAR review. The incident proved to be one of the biggest turning points of the match, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.The drama unfolded shortly after Switzerland had drawn level against the defending champions. Embolo went down inside the attacking third under what appeared to be a challenge from an Argentina defender, and the referee initially awarded a foul while also cautioning the Argentine player. However, the decision was reviewed by VAR under FIFA's new "mistaken identity" protocol.pic.twitter.com/XKX3C3kUNB— Out Of Context Football (@nocontextfooty) July 12, 2026 Following the review, officials determined there had been no contact and that Embolo had simulated the foul. The original booking for the Argentina player was rescinded, while Embolo was instead shown a yellow card for simulation. As the Swiss forward had already been booked earlier in the match, the second caution resulted in an automatic red card and his dismissal.The decision sparked immediate controversy, with Swiss players surrounding the referee in protest and fans expressing frustration over the call. Embolo, visibly emotional, walked off the pitch in tears as Switzerland's hopes of reaching the World Cup semifinals suffered a massive blow. The dismissal quickly became one of the most talked-about incidents of the tournament.With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina gained a significant advantage in the closing stages of the quarter-final. While debate over the referee's decision continued long after the final whistle, FIFA's application of the new VAR-assisted mistaken identity rule ensured Embolo's red card became one of the defining moments of an unforgettable World Cup knockout clash.
1 hour agoThe Swiss forward was sent off with his side drawing 1-1 with Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in Kansas City
1 hour agoThe Swiss forward was sent off with his side drawing 1-1 with Argentina in the World Cup quarter-finals in Kansas City
1 hour agoSwitzerland were reduced to 10 men after the new mistaken identity VAR rule was implemented
1 hour ago
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