Only Happens to Argentina: VAR Protocol Change Allowed Expulsion of Swiss Player Embolo in World Cup

The 2026 World Cup quarter-final match between Switzerland and Argentina saw a controversial VAR decision that has sparked debate. Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute following an incident that initially resulted in a foul call against Argentinian player Leandro Paredes and a yellow card.

What made the expulsion particularly noteworthy was the application of a VAR protocol reportedly unique to Argentina. This protocol seemingly allowed for a broader review and potential escalation of the initial on-field decision, leading to Embolo's red card. The incident immediately became a focal point of discussion among fans and analysts.

The post-match analysis, as reported by BioBioChile, emphasized that this specific VAR procedure is not standard and appears to be an adaptation used only by Argentina. This distinction has led to questions about the consistency and fairness of VAR application in high-stakes international tournaments. The controversy underscores the ongoing challenges in standardizing refereeing and video assistance technology across different footballing nations.