World Cup 2026: Bril Embolo sent off as a result of mistaken identity rule

Switzerland’s Brill Mbolo is the first player to be expelled from this summer’s World Cup under a new law for mistaken identity.

Embolo, booked in the first half, was sent off after 72 minutes for his country Defeat to Argentina in the quarter finals A second yellow card followed for simulation.

The caution was initially handed to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes until the video assistant referee (VAR) intervened to send referee João Pinheiro to the monitor for what at first appeared to be a clumsy challenge.

On review, the official deemed Embolo to have dived.

The Switzerland forward was disappointed to be shown a red card just five minutes before the equalizer against the defending world champions.

Embolo, 29, left the Kansas City pitch in tears, comforted by his teammates, but limited sympathy from pundits.

Former Major League Soccer striker Bradley Wright-Phillips said on ITV, “I feel for Embolo’s teammates, I don’t feel for him. He may have cost his team a run to the semi-finals.”

Former Jamaica international Joby McAnough added: “Brill Embolo let himself down, he let his team-mates down.

“Everything looks bad in slow motion and he gets a yellow card for simulation. Maybe he felt the contact was going to come soon and it didn’t.

“It was simulation but you can’t help but feel sorry for him.”

Argentina eventually won 3-1 against 10 men in extra time and will face England in the semi-finals. Shown live on the BBC.

“This team has a lot of passion. We were one man, yet we gave it our all. I am extremely proud of everyone,” said Swiss coach Murat Yakin.