Breel Embolo becomes first man sent off because of new VAR rule at World Cup vs Argentina

Breel Embolo's red card during Switzerland's World Cup quarter-final defeat to Argentina came following the enforcement of a new law.

Argentina set up a mammoth semi-final clash with England with a hard-fought victory at Arrowhead Stadium.

Alexis Mac Allister put the reigning champions ahead inside 10 minutes, with Lionel Messi once again playing a key role for his country.

They were overwhelming favourites heading into the game. However, they failed to make that advantage count, and Dan Ndoye equalised before the second hydration break.

Switzerland came back from the break reenergised and prepared to complete one of the World Cup's biggest upsets.

Disaster struck moments later. Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for tripping Embolo, but match referee Joao Pinheiro saw himself summoned to the VAR monitor for a second look.

Another view of the incident showed Embolo initiate contact with the Switzerland number seven heading to the ground before clipping Paredes' leg.

Paredes' yellow card was rescinded and instead handed to Embolo, who was already on a caution from earlier in the contest.

The 29-year-old burst into tears as he left the pitch. Switzerland players continued to argue with Pinheiro, but to no avail. FIFA rolled out a slew of new rules for this summer's tournament, including 'mistaken identity'.

The new law states: "Mistaken identity reviewable when a player is shown a yellow/red card but the offence for which the card was shown was committed by another player of either team." USA international Tim Ream was the first beneficiary of this during the group stages. He saw a yellow card overturned and handed to Miguel Almiron.

In a cruel twist for Embolo, had Paredes not been booked in the initial incident, VAR would not have been able to intervene.

Argentina naturally made their extra man count as both sides entered extra time.

They eventually wore their opponents down. Julian Alvarez let rip with a stunning right-footed effort from outside the box, which left goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no chance.

Lautaro Martinez then sealed victory in the dying embers, breaking Swiss hearts.

Switzerland are down to 10 men 🟥

Breel Embolo is caught out by the new 'Mistaken Identity' rule and receives a second yellow for simulation... pic.twitter.com/rGz2WsXhK1

— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026

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Switzerland manager's take on 'unacceptable' sending off

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin was livid with the decision to send Embolo off in his post-match interview.

He claimed it ruined his side's game plan, just five minutes after they'd drawn level.

"There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card," Yakin declared.

"It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.

"We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. I don't understand it. ‌The fact that they intervened unnecessarily is extremely hurtful.

"It's a rule that has nothing to do ⁠with football.

"It destroyed our game today. We have to accept it, but it ‌is painful to lose that way.

"He [Embolo] was fouled many times and he had a few very good moments in this game, but then he couldn't help ⁠the team any more.

"I don't blame him. Obviously, he is shattered because he could not help the team. It was a refereeing ‌mistake."