The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has stated that the second yellow card shown to Switzerland striker Breel Embolo during the 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina was a mistake, according to a report from The Star.
The incident occurred during the match, and Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card. IFAB's ruling confirms that the decision was wrong under the laws of the game, The Star reports. The Athletic also covered the story, noting that IFAB clarified that the "mistaken identity" protocol does not apply to simulation, despite the controversy surrounding the World Cup decisions.
Reuters added that IFAB specifically said Embolo's second yellow was incorrect. The Athletic further reported that the lawmaker stated simulation is not covered under the "mistaken identity" rule. Sports Illustrated noted that the official referee verdict does not support any conspiracy theories regarding Argentina's path in the tournament. The Oskaloosa Herald reported that the soccer rules panel used this case to clarify the VAR process.
The ruling does not change the result of the match, but it acknowledges an officiating error. This case may lead to further discussion about how referees apply yellow cards for simulation and how VAR reviews such situations.
