Referee issues red card to Switzerland forward after VAR review in World Cup quarter-final

A Switzerland forward was shown a red card during the World Cup 2026 quarter-final against Argentina after a VAR review altered an initial decision. The referee first awarded a foul and issued a yellow card to an Argentina midfielder following a collision.

Replays prompted a VAR check for mistaken identity, which led the referee to rescind the Argentina player's card and instead issue a second yellow card to the Switzerland forward for simulation.

Decision details The referee announced the change over the stadium public address system, stating there was no foul on the Argentina player and confirming a yellow card for simulation by the Switzerland forward. Teammates reacted immediately, with one player heard pleading with the referee and another later approaching the official during a hydration break to dispute the call.

Player reaction The Switzerland forward was removed from the field and appeared visibly upset. The score stood at 1-1 at the time of the red card. A commentator on ITV Sport described the incident as a situation that by the letter of the law required a yellow card but called the sending-off harsh in a match of that magnitude.