Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a gripping quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium.
Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in extra time sealed a hard-fought victory for Lionel Scaloni’s side, who capitalised on their numerical advantage after Switzerland were reduced to 10 men late in the second half.
Argentina made the brighter start by taking the lead through an unexpected scorer. Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that Alexis MacAllister rose highest to head home despite being surrounded by taller Swiss defenders.
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Switzerland responded with determination and nearly found an equaliser before the break. Breel Embolo burst through Argentina’s defence, but goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez produced a timely intervention by rushing off his line to deny the striker.
Argentina continued to threaten after the restart, with Messi releasing Nahuel Molina on goal, only for the defender to drag his effort wide of the target.
The Swiss eventually found their breakthrough as Dan Ndoye levelled the scores after seeing earlier attempts blocked and saved by Martinez, swinging the momentum in Switzerland’s favour.
However, the contest changed dramatically in the 72nd minute when Embolo received his second yellow card for simulation, leaving Switzerland to finish the match with 10 players.
Messi came close to restoring Argentina’s lead in normal time with a trademark curling effort that drifted narrowly wide, forcing the match into extra time.
Thiago Almada rattled the outside of the post early in the additional period before Julian Alvarez produced a stunning curling strike to put Argentina back in front. Lautaro Martinez then wrapped up the victory with a late finish to send the South Americans into the last four.
Argentina will now renew their fierce rivalry with England in a highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.