Defending champions Argentina survived a spirited challenge from 10-man Switzerland to secure a 3-1 extra-time victory in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final on Saturday, setting up a semi-final against England.
Lionel Scaloni’s side took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister before Switzerland fought back to force extra time. Goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez in the additional period eventually sent Argentina into the last four as they moved within two wins of retaining the World Cup.
Argentina struck in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi’s corner from the left found Mac Allister, whose glancing header beat Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make it 1-0.
The South Americans controlled much of the first half but were unable to extend their lead, while Switzerland struggled to create clear-cut opportunities before the break.
The Swiss emerged with greater purpose after halftime and began putting Argentina under sustained pressure. Emiliano Martinez was called into action on multiple occasions before Switzerland found their equaliser in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye combined with Ricardo Rodriguez on the edge of the penalty area before finishing calmly past the Argentine goalkeeper to level the match.
Switzerland’s hopes suffered a major setback five minutes later when Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, leaving Murat Yakin’s side to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men.
Argentina dominated possession after the dismissal and pressed for a winner in normal time. Messi went close with a curling effort, while Lautaro Martinez and Lisandro Martinez both forced Kobel into important saves as Switzerland held on to send the match into extra time.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez cut inside from the left and unleashed a powerful strike from outside the penalty area that flew into the top corner beyond Kobel’s reach.
Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Argentina sealed the result late in extra time. Lautaro Martinez reacted quickest after Kobel saved Thiago Almada’s effort, tapping home the rebound to complete a 3-1 victory.
The result also extended Argentina’s scoring streak at the FIFA World Cup to 15 consecutive matches.
Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals as Scaloni’s side continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
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