Why was Breel Embolo sent off in Switzerland-Argentina World Cup quarterfinal? VAR decision sparks outrage

Switzerland suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, and the defending champions sealed a 3-1 victory to advance to the semifinals on Sunday.

Swiss forward Breel Embolo was left upset and inconsolable after he was sent off during the high-octane clash in Kansas City.

It looked like Switzerland's attack would pull off a major upset in the World Cup knockouts, but La Albiceleste's late strikes helped them keep their World Cup dream alive.

Breel Embolo receives red card in controversial VAR decision

Just when Switzerland looked in control, they were reduced to ten men after Breel Embolo was sent off. Initially, Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for colliding with the Swiss forward, with replays suggesting Embolo had tripped after contact.

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But after the VAR review, referee Joao Pinheiro overturned his decision, as the replay showed that Embolo had gone to the ground before making any contact. The incident was deemed a simulation, and since Embolo had already been booked earlier, he received a second yellow card and was subsequently shown red, leaving Switzerland a man down.

Embolo’s dismissal was later deemed a case of ‘mistaken identity.’ Under the updated FIFA World Cup rules, referees are permitted to review and overturn a booking or sending‑off if the wrong player has been cautioned or expelled, ensuring fairness in such situations.

Fans divided over Embolo's red card

The controversial red card to Embolo triggered a wave of responses over the social media platform 'X', with several users claiming that Switzerland were robbed.

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One user claimed that Embolo was simply unlucky, while another user was astonished at how the foul was worthy of a red card.

Another user, however, claimed that Embolo's dive and receiving a second yellow was a foolish act.

Switzerland's defeat led to Argentina advancing to the World Cup semifinals. They would now face England on Thursday, July 16, in Atlanta.