2026 World Cup Controversy Not Yet Over, Argentina Proven to Be Helped by VAR?

Breel Embolo received a red card against Argentina in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal which made Switzerland eliminated (Instagram/@breelembolo97).

JAKARTA - The International Football Association Board (IFAB) clarified its guidelines to referees confirming that Swiss striker Breel Embolo should not have been sent off the field in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal against Argentina.

Embolo's second yellow card, after a video review for feigning an infringement, turned the momentum of the game in the 72nd minute soon after Switzerland equalised to 1-1.

Argentina won 3-1 in extra time with the help of a red card decision that triggered complaints, including from the Tango Team's previous opponent, Egypt, that the referee favored Lionel Messi's team.

A FIFA-backed panel of regulators issued a clarification earlier this week that the VAR protocol for cases of identity error does not apply to this type of incident at the World Cup although it may apply in future tournaments.

"However, it may not be used until the review is complete," the Zurich-based IFAB said in a statement.

Embolo fell to the ground after being tackled by Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, who was then given a yellow card.

The VAR official reminded the referee that Paredes did not commit a foul and Embolo was instead given a yellow card, his second yellow card, and sent off.

That is not the way to apply the identification error that VAR should do. VAR intervention should correct the referee when a card is given to the wrong player.

"The referee made the wrong decision. I know they will protect their referee, but this rule destroyed our game and it was very painful. Being eliminated in that way is very painful," said Swiss coach Murat Yakin, after the match at that time in Kansas City.

IFAB clarified that the card can only be reviewed to identify the player who committed the offense. The offense itself cannot be reviewed or changed.

The review of the VAR protocol has been underway since March 2026. IFAB acknowledges that incidents like Embolo are part of the review, but are likely to apply to the future and have not been implemented at the 2026 World Cup.

"The use of the wrong identity clause to handle the simulation during the 2026 World Cup was well received," IFAB said.

IFAB consists of FIFA-appointed officials and four English Football Federations (FA). Its annual meeting is held every February or March to update the Laws of the Game applicable to the next major tournament or season.