Switzerland was floored after influential forward Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half of Saturday's World Cup quarterfinal loss to Argentina.
Embolo, 29, received his second yellow card of the match in the 72nd minute when the contest was tied at one apiece.
Referee Joao Pinheiro initially called a foul on Leandro Paredes on the play, and showed the Argentina midfielder a yellow card. But he was instructed to review the incident by the VAR.
After the video review, Pinheiro overturned his call and instead gave Embolo the yellow card under the new "mistaken identity" rule put in place for this summer's World Cup. Pinheiro said there was "clear simulation" on the play.
For viewers in United States only:
After a VAR review, Embolo is sent off with his second yellow for simulation 🟥 pic.twitter.com/1ljSIAtVRj
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) July 12, 2026
For viewers in Canada only:
RED CARD FOR SWITZERLAND!
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) July 12, 2026
Breel Embolo recieves a second yellow for simulation and is sent off after a VAR check.#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/RHs3FB7D5C
Embolo was distraught as he protested the decision before walking off the field in tears.
Had Pinheiro not given Paredes the initial yellow card, the incident wouldn't have been reviewable by VAR for a case of mistaken identity.
Argentina eventually made its man advantage count in extra time, advancing to the semifinals with a 3-1 victory.
The reigning world champion will meet England in the semis.
