IFAB RULES VAR WRONGLY USED IN ARGENTINA'S 2026 WORLD CUP WIN OVER SWITZERLAND

The International Football Association Board (IFAB) has stated that VAR was wrongly applied during Argentina's quarter-final victory over Switzerland at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match ended 3-1 to Argentina in extra time, with goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez. The decision under review concerned Swiss forward Breel Embolo, who received a second yellow card in the 72nd minute following a VAR intervention.

Portuguese referee João Pinheiro initially ruled that Argentina's Leandro Paredes had committed a foul on Embolo. VAR then overturned that decision, determining there had been no contact and issuing Embolo a second yellow card for simulation instead. According to reports, IFAB determined that VAR was used incorrectly during this sequence. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin criticised the decision at the time, stating it "destroyed our game." The ruling prompted wider criticism of the tournament's officiating standards.

IFAB delivered its verdict two weeks after the match. The 2026 World Cup has attracted multiple complaints regarding refereeing decisions and the application of VAR technology. Argentina went on to reach the final, where Spain defeated them to become champions. The tournament has been described as controversial by observers of the sport, with disputes over officiating featuring prominently throughout the competition.