Switzerland’s World Cup dream ended in Kansas City after a 1:3 extra-time loss to Argentina - and head coach Murat Yakin (51) wasted no time slamming the controversial red card shown to Breel Embolo (29). Last result: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (12.07.2026).
What happened in Kansas City?
Embolo was sent off in the 90th minute for a dive, his second yellow of the game, after a VAR review for a supposed “mistaken identity.” TV replays, however, showed Embolo went down without contact. Switzerland protested, but the damage was done. Switzerland’s last five: 3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss (LDWWW, most recent first, 12.07.2026).
At the post-match press conference, Yakin said: “We were dominant and controlled. Then we’re punished for a rule that has nothing to do with football.” He also called out the yellow card shown to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes in the second half - a card he deemed “too harsh” for the opponent, a rare stance from a national coach.
Why Yakin is furious over the VAR call
The Swiss coach argued Paredes had earlier lunged into his players with straight legs and even head-butted - yet no card was shown. “For those fouls, no yellow. But in this harmless situation, he pulls out the card,” Yakin said. His anger wasn’t just about the loss, but the rule itself, which he called “unnecessary.”
Embolo, who had pulled one back to make it 1:2, was “devastated,” Yakin confirmed. The red card erased any chance of a comeback. It’s the third straight World Cup quarter-final exit for Switzerland - and this time, the bitterness lingers.
What’s next for the Nati?
Switzerland now turns to the Nations League. On September 26, 2026, they face North Macedonia in Skopje. Next fixture: vs North Macedonia (away, 26.09.2026). Can the Nati learn from this setback and bounce back? Yakin stays in charge for now, but the VAR controversy will fuel debates about the team’s future.
