Kansas City: Breel Embolo sent off in World Cup quarter-final due to mistaken identity rule
Embolo’s Red Card Incident
Switzerland forward Breel Embolo received a red card during his country’s World Cup 2026 quarter-final match against Argentina, becoming the first player to be sent off under a new mistaken identity rule. The incident occurred in the 72nd minute of the game in Kansas City, with the score tied at 1-1. Embolo, who had already been booked in the first half, was issued a second yellow card for simulation, leading to his dismissal.
Initially, the caution was given to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes following what appeared to be a challenge. However, the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened, prompting referee Joao Pinheiro to review the play on the monitor. Upon review, the official determined that Embolo had simulated a foul.
Embolo, who plays for French club Rennes, was visibly upset as he left the pitch, being consoled by his teammates. Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed strong disapproval of the decision, stating there was no reason for a yellow card and describing the situation as harmless. Yakin criticized the rule, calling it unacceptable and something that has nothing to do with football, asserting that it destroyed his team’s game.
The New Mistaken Identity Rule
The new rule, introduced by Fifa for the tournament, was specifically requested by Pierluigi Collina, the head of referees, to address instances of mistaken identity. This regulation allows for a decision to be changed if a player is booked or sent off, but the foul was actually committed by an opposing team member.
A crucial aspect of this rule is that if Paredes had not initially been booked for the challenge, the mistaken identity ruling would not have been applied, and Embolo would have remained in the game. The referee, Pinheiro, communicated his decision to the Kansas City crowd, stating that there was no foul by Paredes, but a clear simulation by Embolo, resulting in a yellow card for the Swiss forward.
This was not the first application of the rule in the tournament. Earlier, USA defender Tim Ream received a yellow card for a foul on Miguel Almiron. After the free-kick was taken, Dutch referee Danny Makkelie was directed to the screen by the VAR, overturning his initial decision and instead booking Almiron for simulation after rescinding Ream’s caution. This ability for officials to overturn their own decisions after a VAR review is a new development.
Reactions and Match Outcome
Despite the distress shown by Embolo and the protests from the Swiss bench, some pundits offered limited sympathy. Former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips commented on ITV that he felt for Embolo’s teammates, but not for Embolo himself, suggesting the player might have cost his team a spot in the semi-finals. Jobi McAnuff, a former Jamaica international, added that Embolo let himself and his teammates down, noting that while it was simulation, one could still feel some pity for him.
During a hydration break shortly after the red card, Granit Xhaka was observed approaching Pinheiro, expressing his frustration over the decision, as his team’s chances of reaching a first-ever World Cup semi-final hung in the balance. McAnuff acknowledged that by the letter of the law, it had to be a yellow card for simulation, but felt it was harsh to send him off in such a significant match.
With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina went on to win the match 3-1 in extra time. Following their victory, Argentina is scheduled to face England in the semi-finals.
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Source: bbc.com
