Rio Ferdinand shocked by Embolo red card as Argentina beats Switzerland
On July 12, 2026, Switzerland lost 3-1 to Argentina in a World Cup quarterfinal after a controversial VAR decision sent off Swiss forward Breel Embolo. The match was tied 1-1 after 90 minutes, with Alexis Mac Allister opening the scoring for Argentina and Dan Ndoye equalizing for Switzerland in the 67th minute. A VAR review overturned a yellow card given to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes for a tackle on Embolo, instead issuing Embolo a second yellow for simulation, leaving Switzerland with ten men. Argentina scored twice in extra time through Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to advance. Rio Ferdinand reacted on X, saying he had “never seen that happen before,” highlighting the rarity of such a VAR reversal. The result sets up a semifinal clash between Argentina and England at Atlanta Stadium on July 15, 2026.
This incident matters because it shows how VAR interventions can dramatically alter knockout‑match outcomes, eliminating a Swiss side that had forced extra time and raising questions about consistency in officiating. For football fans, the episode underscores the importance of watching not just the action on the pitch but also the video‑review decisions that can shift momentum.
What should you know? If you plan to watch the Argentina‑England semifinal, expect both teams to be aware of how marginal calls can decide games, and consider how VAR might influence tactics and player discipline in the remaining matches.