Global refereeing body confirms major World Cup VAR decision that benefited Argentina was a mistake

A new controversy to add to the World Cup’s growing list

In the 72nd minute of the game, Embolo was thought to be fouled by Leandro Paredes, which was followed by a yellow for Argentina.

Regrettably, upon checking with VAR, Embolo was found simulating, leading to his second booking of the night.

Unfortunately for the Nati, Breel Embolo’s expulsion was nothing more than a sign of things to come. 

Argentina went on to win 3-1, with Switzerland leaving the competition in the Quarter-Finals, the highest stage of the competition in their footballing history. 

However, a little over a week after the completion of the largest tournament in the world, the IFAB came back on Breel Embolo’s case.

The conclusion being that the second yellow card was not justified within the context of the use of VAR.

“A yellow card which is not a second yellow card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offence that was penalised;

“The offence itself cannot be reviewed/changed,” according to IFAB Circular No. 34.

Referee, Joao Pinheiro, initially intended using VAR to identify the correct player who committed the foul, which allows him to revoke or maintain his decision.

One thing the rule makes clear is that Pinheiro's use of VAR was not intended to change his decision to then book Embolo.

Switzerland celebrates after scoring during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32. Image: Getty.

This clarification shines light on certain decisions carried out throughout the World Cup. 

If the rules of VAR had been applied within its framework, Embolo’s expulsion would have given Switzerland a greater chance to go the 120 minutes without conceding. 

Switzerland, coming back from a strong UEFA Euro 2024 campaign, were aiming to make a mark in the 2026 World Cup.

The Swiss team managed to reach the Quarter-Finals of the Euros facing England, and losing on penalties in the process. 

Sadly for Switzerland, their run ended in the hands of a poor VAR decision.

Who knows if Switzerland could have made it to the Semi-Finals, where they could have made history for a nation of 8 million inhabitants.

With that in mind, Switzerland could have hypothetically been matched with England, a redo from the 2024 competition.

Ultimately, this would have meant a more favourable Semi-Final matchup for the Three Lions.