Why was Breel Embolo sent off? FIFA's new VAR rule produces World Cup first in Argentina vs Switzerland thriller

It marked the first red card issued under FIFA's new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol at a World Cup.

For a brief while, Switzerland, playing in their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954, threatened to pull off what Cape Verde and Egypt could not. An all-out attacking display in the second half, capped by Dan Ndoye's equaliser, pushed Argentina to the brink once again in this World Cup.

Switzerland's players argue referee Joao Pinheiro, of Portugal, gives a second yellow card to Breel Embolo (7) during the World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina (AP Photo/Ed Zurga)

But minutes later, the momentum swung dramatically. Switzerland were reduced to 10 men after Breel Embolo was sent off under FIFA's new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol, which was used for the first time at the 2026 World Cup.

The defending champions had taken an early lead when Alexis Mac Allister powered home a Lionel Messi corner. But Argentina failed to build on their advantage and were made to pay, with Nottingham Forest forward Ndoye cutting in from the left before calmly slotting home the equaliser just before the second hydration break.

Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes for what appeared to be a trip on Embolo. However, after being called to the VAR monitor, he reviewed the incident and overturned his original decision. The replay showed Embolo had gone to ground before any contact from Paredes, with the referee ruling it a simulation instead. Since the Swiss forward had already been booked earlier in the match, he was shown a second yellow card, followed by a red.

Embolo could barely believe it. He pleaded with the referee and protested the decision, but to no avail. The striker walked off the pitch in tears as his teammates continued to remonstrate with the officials.

It marked the first red card issued under FIFA's new "mistaken identity" VAR protocol at a World Cup. Under the law, officials can review incidents where a player is shown a yellow or red card if the offence was actually committed by another player from either team.

Earlier in the group stage, USA captain Tim Ream became the first player to benefit from the protocol when a yellow card shown to him was rescinded. Following a VAR review, the foul on Miguel Almiron was instead ruled a simulation by the Paraguay captain.

Switzerland held firm with 10 men throughout the remainder of normal time and forced the contest into extra time. But in the 112th minute, after relentless Argentine pressure, Julian Alvarez finally broke the deadlock with a sublime curling strike into the top corner. Lautaro Martinez then added the finishing touch deep into stoppage time, converting the rebound after Thiago Almada's effort was saved to seal a 3-1 victory and send the defending champions into the semifinals.

Argentina will now face England in the second semifinal on July 16 in Atlanta.