Sports · Full coverage

VAR 'Mistaken Identity' Rule Sparks Outrage After Switzerland's World Cup Quarterfinal Exit

How 4 Israeli newsrooms covered this story — translated into English and compared side by side.

100% center

Center 4

First reported by Mako · Jul 12, 2026

What happened

Switzerland's World Cup quarterfinal exit was marred by controversy after VAR applied a new "mistaken identity" rule, resulting in Breel Embolo's second yellow card for simulation. The decision left Switzerland with ten players, enabling Argentina to secure a 3-1 victory and advance.

01VAR's new 'mistaken identity' rule led to Breel Embolo's second yellow card in the Argentina-Switzerland quarterfinal.
02Swiss coach Murat Yakin called the decision a referee error and harmful to football.
03The rule was expanded by IFAB before the 2026 World Cup to include cards given for offenses by opponents.
04This was the second use of the updated rule at the tournament, previously applied in USA-Paraguay match.
05Switzerland played extra time with ten men, allowing Argentina to score twice and win 3-1.
06FIFA confirmed the rule's correct application but the decision remains highly controversial.

Summary translated & synthesized from the sources below by baba. Read each original for the full report.

In this story

People