Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was visibly upset after receiving a red card during the World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Argentina. The incident occurred with the score tied at 1-1, leading to an extended period of play with Switzerland reduced to ten men.
Initially, Embolo was awarded a foul, and Leandro Paredes of Argentina received a yellow card after a collision. However, replays suggested that Embolo may have exaggerated the contact. Under new Fifa World Cup rules, a VAR review for mistaken identity was initiated, which then led to a decision regarding simulation.
Referee Joao Pinheiro, after reviewing the incident, reversed his initial decision. He rescinded the yellow card for Paredes and instead issued a yellow card to Embolo. This was Embolo’s second yellow card of the match, resulting in a red card and his dismissal from the field.
Pinheiro communicated his decision to the crowd, stating, “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].” Embolo was inconsolable following the decision, with teammate Denis Zakaria reportedly pleading with the official before escorting Embolo off the pitch.
A significant aspect of the new rule is that if Paredes had not initially been booked, Embolo would have remained in the game. During a hydration break in the 75th minute, Granit Xhaka was observed remonstrating with Pinheiro about the call, as Switzerland’s chances of reaching a first-ever World Cup semi-final hung in the balance.
Reactions to the VAR Decision
Pundits offered differing views on the incident. Jobi McAnuff commented on the situation, stating, “I think it’s one of these situations, by the letter of the law, it has to be a yellow card. 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.”
Conversely, Bradley Wright-Phillips expressed less sympathy for Embolo, focusing instead on the potential impact on his teammates. He remarked, “That’s embellishment. I feel for his teammates, he’s maybe cost his teammates.”
The match itself was a tense quarter-final encounter. The first half saw Argentina take the lead in the 10th minute with a goal from Alexis Mac Allister, assisted by Lionel Messi. Switzerland continued to press for an equalizer, with players like Zakaria and Embolo creating chances.
The game remained physical, with fouls becoming frequent. Embolo received his first yellow card in the 45th minute for a foul on Lisandro Martínez. Switzerland eventually found their equalizer in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, assisted by Ricardo Rodríguez, bringing the score to 1-1.
The red card for Embolo occurred around the 70th minute mark. Following the dismissal, Argentina, with an extra man, sought to score a winning goal. The second half concluded with the score still tied at 1-1, leading to extra time in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Quarterfinals.
Match Progression and Overtime
The match continued into extra time, with no substitutions made at the start of the additional 30 minutes. Argentina pressed for a decisive goal, with Lisandro Martínez taking a shot that was deflected, and Nico González attempting a shot assisted by Lionel Messi.
Fouls remained frequent throughout the game, disrupting the flow of play. Despite being a man down, Switzerland continued to defend and look for opportunities. The match was still tied at 1-1 as it headed into extra time on July 11, 2026.
Read Also
Source: independent.co.uk
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”