Embolo sent off for simulation in World Cup quarter-final as VAR overturns mistaken-identity call against Argentina

Breel Embolo was left inconsolable after being sent off for simulation in Switzerland’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Argentina in Kansas City, with the score level at 1-1 when the decisive VAR intervention arrived.

The Switzerland forward appeared to earn a foul midway through the second half, with Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes initially shown a yellow card. Under new FIFA World Cup rules, however, VAR triggered a mistaken-identity review, which also examined whether Embolo had simulated the contact.

Referee Joao Pinheiro reversed his original decision entirely — rescinding the yellow for Paredes and instead booking Embolo, his second caution of the match. “After review, there is no foul for No 5 [Paredes], No 7 [Embolo], there is a clear simulation, final decision, yellow card for No 7 [Embolo],” Pinheiro announced.

Embolo was distraught as he left the pitch, with teammate Denis Zakaria heard screaming at the official in protest. During the hydration break at 74 minutes, captain Granit Xhaka approached Pinheiro and remonstrated furiously, his side chasing a place in a first-ever World Cup semi-final.

Pundit Jobi McAnuff acknowledged the letter of the law had been applied correctly, even if the timing felt brutal. “I think it’s one of these situations, by the letter of the law, it has to be a yellow card,” he said. “He’s waiting for the card, he’s initiated the contact, clearly, they’ll see that as simulation — to send him off in a game of this magnitude, it feels harsh.”

Bradley Wright-Phillips was less sympathetic toward Embolo himself, directing his concern instead at Switzerland’s remaining ten players. “That’s embellishment. I feel for his teammates — he’s maybe cost his teammates,” he said.