In a World Cup quarter-final, Switzerland's Breel Embolo was dismissed after receiving a second yellow card in a controversial application of a newly introduced rule designed to correct mistaken identity in referee decisions. The sequence began when referee Joao Pinheiro booked Argentina's Leandro Paredes for a challenge; following VAR review, the official determined that Embolo had dived rather than been fouled, transferring the caution to the Swiss forward and resulting in his expulsion.

The dismissal occurred minutes after Switzerland had equalised against Argentina at 1-1, significantly altering the match dynamics. Forced to defend with only ten players, Switzerland conceded two further goals and finished their tournament with a 3-1 defeat in extra time. Analysis of the incident revealed divided opinion: some commentators upheld the decision as proper enforcement of the new rule, whilst others expressed sympathy for Embolo given the difficulties in distinguishing simulation from genuine contact at high speed.