Breel Embolo’s World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina ended in heartbreak after the Switzerland forward was sent off following a dramatic VAR intervention on Saturday.

The striker, who had helped Switzerland level the score shortly beforehand, was shown a second yellow card in the second half after referee João Pinheiro changed his original decision following a video review.

Why was Embolo sent off?

The incident began when Leandro Paredes went in for a challenge on Embolo near the halfway line. The referee initially showed Paredes a yellow card for the tackle, but VAR Guillermo Pacheco told ref Pinheiro that his understanding was that the yellow card for Paredes should go to Embolo for simulation instead.

After a on-field review, Embolo was booked for simulation, with the referee judging that the Swiss forward had attempted to win a free kick by diving.

Because Embolo had already received a yellow card earlier in the match for a challenge on Paredes, the second caution resulted in an automatic red card.

Embolo leaves the field in tears

The decision came just minutes after Switzerland had equalized against Argentina, dramatically changing the course of the quarterfinal.

A visibly emotional Embolo left the field in tears as teammates tried to console him before he walked down the tunnel.

Another VAR controversy involving Argentina

The dismissal is likely to fuel further debate over Argentina’s matches at the 2026 World Cup.

Earlier in the tournament, Egypt had a goal disallowed after a VAR review in a decision that also sparked widespread controversy and accusations of favoritism toward the defending champions.

This time, however, television replays appeared to support the officials’ decision. Slow-motion angles showed little or no contact from Paredes, with Embolo going to ground before any meaningful challenge arrived, leading VAR to recommend overturning the original call.

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