Switzerland coach Murat Yakin decries VAR decision after World Cup quarter‑final loss

Switzerland were eliminated 3‑1 by Argentina in the World Cup 2026 quarter‑final after extra time. In the 72nd minute, forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off when VAR applied the new “mistaken‑identity” rule, overturning an initial yellow to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and judging Embolo’s action a dive. Swiss coach Murat Yakin called the decision “incomprehensible” and said it “destroyed our match”, adding that the team was “not at the end yet” and expressing optimism about the future despite the defeat. Several Swiss players, including Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji, also criticised the refereeing, arguing the arbitration was uneven and decisive. The incident has sparked debate over the new VAR protocol and its impact on high‑stakes matches. Yakin remains under contract until 2028 and plans to continue building the national side.