- The reigning world champions will now renew their fierce rivalry with England in the semi-finals.
- For Switzerland, it was a heartbreaking end to a memorable tournament.
- Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's resilience and composure under pressure.
A dramatic night in Kansas City belonged to Argentina as Lionel Scaloni's men defeated a spirited Switzerland side to book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Despite being pushed all the way by the Swiss, La Albiceleste found another gear in extra time, with Julian Alvarez producing a moment of magic before Lautaro Martinez sealed a 3-1 victory.
The reigning world champions will now renew their fierce rivalry with England in the semi-finals, with a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final at stake.
Argentina started brightly and needed just ten minutes to find the breakthrough. Lionel Messi delivered a teasing corner into the penalty area and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to power home a header despite being surrounded by much taller Swiss defenders.
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Switzerland refused to be dominated and nearly found an immediate response. Breel Embolo broke free behind the Argentine defence, but Emiliano Martinez rushed off his line brilliantly to deny the striker in a crucial one-on-one situation.
The South Americans controlled large spells of possession but struggled to kill the game. Shortly after the restart, Messi carved open the Swiss defence with a trademark through ball, only for Nahuel Molina to drag his effort wide of the post.
That miss proved costly as Switzerland gradually grew into the contest. Dan Ndoye had already tested Argentina's defence twice before finally finding the equaliser in the 67th minute. The winger kept his composure inside the box and slotted past Martinez to stun the Argentine supporters.
Red Card Incident
The momentum appeared to be shifting towards Murat Yakin's side until a major turning point arrived five minutes later. Embolo received his second yellow card for simulation and was sent off, leaving Switzerland to battle the remaining stages with ten men.
Argentina sensed the opportunity. Messi almost produced a trademark winner late in normal time, cutting inside before curling an effort narrowly wide of the far post.
Argentina's Comeback
With penalties looming, Lionel Scaloni's side finally found the decisive breakthrough in extra time. Thiago Almada had already rattled the woodwork before Julian Alvarez delivered a moment of brilliance in the 112th minute.
The Manchester City forward picked up possession outside the area and curled a sensational effort beyond Gregor Kobel to put Argentina back in front.
The goal knocked the fight out of Switzerland. As the Swiss pushed bodies forward in desperation, Argentina struck once more on the counterattack. Lautaro Martinez finished clinically in stoppage time of extra time to confirm Argentina's passage into the last four.
For Switzerland, it was a heartbreaking end to a memorable tournament. They frustrated one of the favourites for long periods and looked capable of causing a major upset before the red card changed the complexion of the match.
Speaking after the game, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team's resilience and composure under pressure, while Switzerland were left ruing missed opportunities and the dismissal that ultimately tilted the tie in Argentina's favour.
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The victory keeps Argentina's dream of back-to-back World Cup titles alive, while England now await in what promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Argentina vs Switzerland Match Result: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
Goalscorers:
Argentina – Alexis Mac Allister (10'), Julian Alvarez (112'), Lautaro Martinez (120+1')
Switzerland – Dan Ndoye (67')