World Cup 2026: Embolo’s Red Card Against Argentina Was A Mistake –IFAB

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has admitted that the VAR protocol was misapplied during Switzerland forward Breel Embolo’s red card against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.

The governing body clarified that the mistaken identity rule cannot be used to review or change an underlying offense like simulation. 

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The incident occurred in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland had levelled the score at 1-1.

Embolo was initially awarded a foul following a challenge from Leandro Paredes, who was shown a yellow card by referee Joao Pinheiro.

However, VAR advised the referee that Paredes did not commit a foul, leading the referee to rescind Paredes’ card and give Embolo a second yellow card for diving, resulting in his dismissal. Switzerland eventually lost 3-1 in extra time.

Reacting to the development, IFAB confirmed that Embolo should not have been sent off during his side’s FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash against Argentina.

“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,” IFAB said.

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“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 coach Murat Yakin said the rule behind ​Breel Embolo’s sending-off was “unacceptable” after a loss ‌that stopped them reaching the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

“It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it’s painful to lose that way,” Yakin ⁠said.