The controversy surrounding the refereeing of the Round of 16 match between Argentina and Switzerland continues to fuel debates in the football world. After the game, several observers questioned some decisions made by the refereeing team, particularly those involving Breel Embolo and Leandro Paredes. One of the most critical voices is Toni Kroos, who believes that many choices made during the match deserve explanations from FIFA. The former German midfielder feels these decisions significantly impacted the flow of the game and reignite the discussion on the use of video assistance.
According to Toni Kroos, events unfolded unsettlingly just as Switzerland seemed to regain momentum. After equalizing thanks to Dan Ndoye, the Swiss team appeared ready to push harder to try to turn the tables on Argentina. However, moments later, a VAR intervention led to the expulsion of Breel Embolo for an alleged simulation, a decision that sparked numerous reactions on social media and among football experts.
The former German international also believes that another incident involving Leandro Paredes should have been punished more severely. In his view, the Argentine midfielder should have received at least a yellow card for a tackle deemed dangerous. The lack of punishment for this action, combined with Embolo’s expulsion minutes later, creates a sense of confusion. Toni Kroos asserts that such decisions inevitably fuel supporters’ questions about the impartiality of refereeing in major international competitions.
Here’s what Toni Kroos had to say:
“Explain this to me. Embolo gets a card in the first half. Switzerland comes back and Ndoye equalizes. Moments earlier, Paredes escapes without even a yellow despite a controversial tackle.
Then the VAR intervenes, reviews the Embolo incident, and gives him a second yellow for simulation even though many believe there was clear contact. Just minutes after Switzerland equalizes, they suddenly find themselves down to ten.
When decisions like these continue to favor one team, it’s only natural for supporters to start asking tough questions about refereeing.
🚨 🇩🇪 Toni Kroos Demands Answers from FIFA After Controversial Argentina Match:
🗣️"Explain this to me. Embolo gets booked in the first half. Switzerland fight back and Ndoye levels the score. Moments earlier, Paredes escapes without even a yellow despite a controversial… pic.twitter.com/TW4pVSkSUa
— Blake (@_Utd_Blake) July 12, 2026
FIFA has a responsibility to ensure that all nations are treated fairly. The World Cup should be remembered for the football on the pitch, not for controversial refereeing decisions.”
These statements quickly resonated with supporters, some echoing Toni Kroos’s criticisms while others defended the referees’ work, reminding that VAR decisions rely on the interpretation of available footage. Regardless, this new controversy is likely to prolong the debates around refereeing in this World Cup. FIFA may need to address the raised concerns to ease tensions and maintain public trust in the fairness of the competition.
