Switzerland’s World Cup dream ended in dramatic and controversial fashion after striker Breel Embolo became the first player to be sent off under FIFA’s new mistaken identity rule during their 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina national football team.
The turning point came in the 72nd minute of the quarter-final in Kansas City. Already carrying a first-half yellow card, Embolo went down under a challenge from Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, prompting referee João Pinheiro to initially book Paredes.
However, after intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), Pinheiro reviewed the incident on the pitchside monitor and concluded that Embolo had simulated the contact. The yellow card shown to Paredes was rescinded and instead issued to Embolo for simulation. As it was his second booking of the match, the Swiss forward was sent off.
The emotional 29-year-old left the pitch in tears as teammates attempted to console him, with Switzerland having equalized just five minutes earlier and looking capable of taking the defending champions to the limit.
Playing with 10 men proved too much for Switzerland, as Argentina scored twice in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory and book a blockbuster semi-final against England national football team.
Yakin Blasts FIFA Rule
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin strongly criticized both the decision and the new law.
> “There was definitely no reason to award a yellow card. It was a harmless situation. He should have let play continue.”
Yakin argued that VAR intervened unnecessarily and said the new regulation had no place in football.
> “We were punished because of a rule that is unacceptable. It destroyed our game. We have to accept it, but it is painful to lose that way.”
Despite the disappointment, the Swiss coach praised his players’ commitment.
> “This team has so much passion. Despite being one man down, we gave everything. I’m extremely proud of everyone.”
Pundits Offer Little Sympathy
Former Premier League striker Bradley Wright-Phillips believed Embolo only had himself to blame.
> “I feel for Embolo’s teammates, I don’t feel for him. He has cost his team maybe getting through to the semi-finals.”
Former Jamaica international Jobi McAnuff agreed.
> “Breel Embolo let himself down and he let his teammates down. It was simulation. You can’t help but feel sorry for him, but the yellow card was deserved.”
What Is FIFA’s New Mistaken Identity Rule?
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduced several officiating changes, including a new mistaken identity protocol championed by FIFA’s head of refereeing, Pierluigi Collina.
Under the rule, if a referee mistakenly books or sends off the wrong player during an incident, VAR can intervene to correct the identity and transfer the disciplinary action to the appropriate player.
In Embolo’s case, the referee initially punished Paredes. Once VAR determined there had been no foul and that Embolo had instead simulated contact, the caution was transferred to the Swiss striker. Because it was his second yellow card, it automatically resulted in a red card.
The law had already been used earlier in the tournament when USA defender Tim Ream had a yellow card rescinded before Miguel Almirón was instead booked for simulation.
Public Reaction
The decision sparked fierce debate among football supporters. While many sympathized with Switzerland’s exit, a large number of fans argued that diving should be punished more consistently, praising FIFA’s willingness to use VAR to correct mistaken bookings and discourage simulation.
For Switzerland, however, the controversial dismissal marked the moment their World Cup campaign unraveled, while Argentina marched on to another World Cup semi-final.
