After defeating Egypt in the round of 16, Argentina once again benefited from VAR. The reigning world champions played with a man advantage from midway through the second half due to Breel Embolo receiving a second yellow card in the 72nd minute. Initially, referee Joao Pinheiro carded Leandro Paredes, but changed his decision after consulting VAR.

The decision was reversed: Paredes' yellow card was rescinded, and Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. The Swiss forward left the field in tears amidst fierce protests from his teammates to the referee.

The VAR intervention marked the peak of Switzerland's frustration. Central defender Akanji stated that the referee had favored Argentina. "It's terrible to be eliminated this way, when you know victory is within reach but the referee is against you", the Inter Milan defender said after the match at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City. "Every unfavorable situation went against us. I don't want to criticize the referee, but I have never seen one side so favored. Argentina players dive without being penalized, while Embolo gets a card. We couldn't do anything else".

Central defender Manuel Akanji (number 5, red) challenges Lionel Messi during the World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri (US), on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

Switzerland appeared poised to drag Argentina into a penalty shootout with only 8 minutes left in extra time, thanks to their disciplined play despite having 10 men. However, Julian Alvarez shone with a beautiful right-footed curling shot from about 25 meters into the top corner of Gregor Kobel's goal in extra time, before Lautaro Martinez tapped in the rebound to seal a 3-1 victory.

"I am proud of what the entire team achieved today and throughout the tournament", Akanji added. "The reigning world champions created no dangerous opportunities. If Switzerland had maintained 11 players, everyone knows how the match would have unfolded".

Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina's 3-1 victory.

Echoing his player's sentiments, coach Murat Yakin believed the referee was harsh on Embolo. "There was no reason to issue a second yellow card in that manner", the Swiss strategist said. "You cannot make such a decision in a quarterfinal match. I am also unsure why the referee was allowed to review VAR in that situation. I don't understand where that rule came from".

Breel Embolo's dismissal after VAR applied the "mistaken identity" rule became one of the most debated highlights of the match. This rule was recently amended in the Laws of the Game earlier this year, and World Cup 2026 is the first major tournament to implement it.

Referee Joao Pinheiro (Portugal) issued a red card, sending off Swiss forward Breel Embolo, after VAR determined the player committed a simulation foul and received a second yellow card during the World Cup 2026 quarterfinal match between Argentina and Switzerland in Kansas City, Missouri (US), on 11/7. *Photo: AP*

Breel Embolo's two fouls were rare instances of Switzerland being carded. Overall, the European team committed 18 fouls throughout the match, four more than their opponents. Argentina received three yellow cards, but no fouls were penalized in 10 situations during the 90 minutes of regular play.

The South American representatives opened the scoring in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister, then deliberately retreated and conceded possession to their opponents. The Swiss team played better in the second half, creating three dangerous opportunities before Dan Ndoye equalized. However, Switzerland failed to register a single shot inside the opponent's penalty area after playing with one man down.

Ndoye equalized 1-1 for Switzerland.

"If you watched the match, you could see we played much better", Yakin affirmed. "The momentum was with us before the red card. The coaching staff had prepared offensive tactical changes to aim for victory within 90 minutes. But then, everything slipped out of our control".

Vy Anh