Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-finals after overcoming Switzerland in a tense encounter in the intense heat of Kansas City. The reigning champions will now face England after Julián Alvarez produced the decisive moment in extra time, bending a superb strike from around 25 yards beyond Gregor Kobel to separate the sides.
The South Americans looked on course for a comfortable evening when Alexis Mac Allister glanced Lionel Messi’s corner into the net after only 10 minutes. However, they were unable to build on that advantage, and Switzerland gradually grew into the contest before finding a deserved equaliser.
Dan Ndoye brought the Swiss level in the 67th minute, combining with Ricardo Rodriguez before beating Emiliano Martínez with a finish through the goalkeeper’s legs. The match then took another dramatic turn as Switzerland were reduced to 10 players before extra time.
A red card changes the course of the match
Breel Embolo, already carrying a yellow card, was initially awarded a free-kick after appearing to be fouled by Leandro Paredes near the halfway line. Paredes was booked, but following a VAR review under the mistaken identity protocol, the referee determined that Embolo had simulated contact. The caution shown to the Argentine midfielder was cancelled, while Embolo received a second booking and was sent off, prompting frustration from the Swiss players.
With the numerical advantage, Argentina took greater control after struggling for long periods. Their pressure was eventually rewarded when Alvarez struck brilliantly from distance to restore his side’s lead in extra time.
Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but were punished on the counterattack as Lautaro Martínez finished confidently to complete the victory and keep Argentina’s hopes of defending the World Cup alive.
Argentina continue remarkable scoring run
Although Argentina advanced again, they produced another performance that fell short of expectations despite entering the match as favourites. After Mac Allister’s early goal, they did not register another effort on target until Lisandro Martínez tested Kobel deep into stoppage time of the second half.
Emiliano Martínez was the busier goalkeeper throughout the evening, making important saves from Ndoye, Embolo, and Granit Xhaka. Messi did not score for the first time at this tournament, but he still reached another milestone by becoming the first player to record 10 assists in World Cup matches.
Argentina also extended an impressive attacking sequence. They have now scored in 15 consecutive World Cup fixtures and have found the net at least twice in each of their last 11 matches, setting a new competition record by surpassing Uruguay’s previous mark between 1930 and 1954.
Switzerland fall short despite strong display
Switzerland was left disappointed after matching and, for lengthy spells, outperforming the world champions. The dismissal of Embolo proved to be the defining moment after they had fought back into the contest through Ndoye’s goal.
The match featured 32 fouls, including 14 committed by Argentina, but the South American side did not receive a yellow card until extra time. Switzerland were also without midfielder Johan Manzambi, who missed the team’s final two matches because of a knee injury after making a strong impression earlier in the tournament.
The defeat means Switzerland’s difficult record in major quarter-finals continues, with six defeats from six appearances at that stage. Argentina, meanwhile, moves on to a semifinal against England, while the winner of that tie will meet either France or Spain in the World Cup final.