The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has acknowledged that VAR was incorrectly applied when Switzerland forward Breel Embolo was sent off against Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The incident unfolded in the 72nd minute, shortly after Switzerland had equalised to make it 1-1. Referee Joao Pinheiro initially awarded a foul against Leandro Paredes and showed him a yellow card. VAR then intervened, advising Pinheiro that Paredes had not committed a foul — leading the referee to cancel the card against Paredes and instead issue Embolo a second yellow card for simulation, resulting in his dismissal.

Switzerland went on to lose 3-1 in extra time, ending their run at the quarter-final stage.

IFAB's verdict on the VAR call

IFAB issued a formal clarification, stating that the mistaken identity clause — which allows VAR to correct the identification of a player who committed an already-penalised offence — cannot be used to review or alter the nature of the offence itself.