Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji criticized the refereeing decisions during the clash against Argentina on Sunday morning in the 2026 World Cup quarterfinal.

Akanji expressed his displeasure after the match due to the second yellow card shown by the referee to Breel Embolo in the 72nd minute after reviewing the incident via VAR.

Referee Silva Peñalver initially called a foul against Leandro Paredes and showed a yellow card to the Argentine player, before it became clear there was an error in identifying the player, which required the protocol to be applied.

After reviewing the footage, the referee considered that there was no foul by Paredes and showed a yellow card to Embolo for simulation, a decision that sparked widespread anger within the Swiss national team.

Akanji, in remarks highlighted by Spanish newspaper Marca, said: 'It's a shame to say goodbye to the tournament in this way, when you know you were capable of winning the match. It becomes difficult when the referee is also against you.'

He added: 'I am not someone who complains a lot, but I have never played a match that was so unfair, where everything was decided in their favor. They didn't even receive a yellow card for simulation. Nothing at all.'

In the same context, Switzerland star Remo Freuler said: 'We entered the match with enthusiasm and fighting spirit, and that was clear. We played a very good game and pressed hard... until the sending-off incident. After that, the match completely fell apart. Going out this way makes the pain greater, and I cannot understand how VAR intervened in such a manner in a match like this.'