VAR Controversy Mars Argentina's World Cup Quarterfinal Win Over Switzerland

Argentina advanced to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals by defeating Switzerland 2-1, in a match that saw a pivotal VAR intervention. Lionel Messi opened the scoring for Argentina in the ninth minute with a corner kick that found Alexis Mac Allister, who directed it into the net.

Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye broke down the left flank, exchanged a pass with Ricardo Rodríguez, and finished between Emiliano Martínez's legs. The match took a dramatic turn just four minutes later.

In the 71st minute, Swiss player Breel Embolo was sent off following a VAR review. Initially, the referee, João Pinheiro of Portugal, had cautioned Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes for a foul. However, after consulting the VAR, the referee reversed his decision. He determined that Embolo had simulated contact and issued him a second yellow card, resulting in an expulsion. The first yellow card Embolo received was for a foul on Paredes.

This case of mistaken identity, where the referee initially booked the wrong player, is covered by the IFAB's VAR Protocol, allowing for corrections to bookings or dismissals.

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Mistaken identity is a figure in the IFAB's VAR Protocol that allows the referee to correct a caution or expulsion if they have sanctioned the wrong player in a play.