World Cup Injustice Revealed

Switzerland's forward Breel Embolo should not have been sent off during their 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final clash against Argentina, according to an official letter from the International Football Association Board (IFAB), the body responsible for the Laws of the Game.

Embolo received a second yellow card in the second half of the match in Kansas City, with the score tied at 1-1. Argentina subsequently scored two goals in extra time, winning 3-1 and ending Switzerland's World Cup hopes.

The incident occurred when the 29-year-old fell to the ground after a challenge with Leandro Paredes. Initially, referee João Pinheiro showed a yellow card to the Argentine midfielder.

However, following an intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) system, which informed the referee that Paredes had not committed a foul, Pinheiro reversed his decision. Instead, he booked Embolo for simulation, which was his second yellow card of the match, leading to his dismissal.

IFAB clarified that such a VAR intervention contradicts the rules. “A yellow card that is not a second official caution can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the foul. The foul itself cannot be reviewed or changed,” the organization stated.

After the game, Switzerland's coach Murat Yakin described the rule that led to Embolo's sending off as “unacceptable.” The loss denied his team a historic opportunity to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Breel Embolo received his first yellow card in the 44th minute, and the second, which resulted in his expulsion, was shown in the 72nd minute.