VAR Red Card Controversy Overshadows Switzerland’s World Cup Exit

In the quarter-final in Kansas City on 12 July 2026, Switzerland drew level with Argentina before referee João Pinheiro issued a yellow card to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for a perceived trip on Breel Embolo. VAR officials, operating from the International Broadcast Center in Dallas, reviewed the footage, concluded there was no contact, and reversed the booking. The reversal triggered the “mistaken-identity” protocol, resulting in a yellow card being shown to Embolo instead. Because Embolo had already been booked in the first half, the second yellow produced a red card in the 67th minute, leaving Switzerland with ten men for the remainder of regular and extra time.

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Switzerland’s midfielder Remo Freuler called the decision “a disaster” and questioned the referee’s use of VAR, while captain Granit Xhaka said the red card forced the team to abandon its game plan and cost them the match. Coach Murat Yakin described the outcome as “extremely hurtful” and suggested the side was “punished by a referee mistake.” All three emphasized that the incident altered the momentum that Switzerland had built in the second half.

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FIFA’s regulations for the 2026 tournament expand the reviewable “mistaken-identity” clause to include either team when a referee issues a card to the wrong player. The rule states that if an official “clearly misidentified the player who committed the offence, only the identity of the offender can be reviewed.” Under this guidance, Pinheiro’s reversal was procedurally correct, even though it led to Embolo’s dismissal.

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Swiss players and officials argue that the new VAR remit “kills the game,” contending that the rule creates unnecessary interruptions and can change match outcomes on marginal calls. The episode has reignited debate over whether the expanded scope of video review serves the sport’s integrity or undermines on-field authority.

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• “It’s just a disaster,” — Remo Freuler, Switzerland midfielder

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• “If you have to lose because of one decision from the referee, it is painful.” — Granit Xhaka, Switzerland captain

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• “I think the red card changed our game plan, what we had from the beginning, which was very positive.” — Granit Xhaka

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• “ Switzerland coach Yakin said: “I wouldn’t say they (Argentina) are being favoured.” — Murat Yakin, Switzerland head coach

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• “ Asked for his view of VAR’s expanded remit for these types of offences, Xhaka added: “The rules are the rules, and we can’t change the rules, but it’s a decision where you kill the game.” — Granit Xhaka, Switzerland captain

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