Switzerland head coach, Murat Yakin, has criticised the decision to send off Breel Embolo during his side’s 3-1 extra-time defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the dismissal as the turning point in the match.
With the score level at 1-1 in the second half, Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Despite holding out to force extra time, Switzerland conceded twice as Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored to send the defending champions into the semi-finals.
Speaking after the match, Yakin said the Embolo red card was a costly mistake that changed the course of the contest.
He said, “We were punished because of a mistake. There was no reason for that booking. I don’t understand it. It was an innocent situation; there was nothing malicious about it.
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“That decision was simply unbelievable. I completely disagree with it.
“There was clear contact, and I don’t understand how the referee and the VAR came to that conclusion.”
Yakin stopped short of accusing officials of favouring Argentina but insisted the dismissal proved decisive.
“I wouldn’t say they were being favoured. We had a fair and open match. Both teams played football. Football wasn’t the winner today.
“We were punished by a mistake. It was a decisive moment that determined the outcome of the match. We can complain now, but I have to congratulate Argentina,” he added.
Argentina capitalised on the Embolo red card advantage in extra time, with Alvarez and Martinez finding the net to seal a 3-1 victory and secure a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
