Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, setting up a mouth-watering last-four clash against England.
The South American giants looked set for a difficult night in Kansas City after Switzerland recovered from an early setback to force the match into extra time, but Julián Álvarez produced a moment of brilliance to seal Argentina’s progression.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a perfectly delivered cross from captain Lionel Messi, giving the holders an early advantage.
However, Switzerland refused to collapse and grew into the contest, eventually finding an equaliser in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who calmly finished from close range to bring the European side back into the game.
The Swiss were reduced to 10 men in the 72nd minute after Breel Embolo received a second yellow card following a controversial VAR intervention.
Embolo was initially awarded a free kick after a challenge involving Argentina’s Leandro Paredes, but the referee was asked to review the decision under the tournament’s new VAR procedure. After checking the incident, Portuguese referee João Pinheiro overturned the call and dismissed Embolo for simulation.
Despite having a numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a winner during normal time. Lionel Messi came close after breaking through one-on-one with the goalkeeper, while Lisandro Martínez also narrowly missed with a late acrobatic effort.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute when Álvarez unleashed a powerful long-range strike that flew into the top corner, leaving the Swiss goalkeeper with no chance.
Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, but Argentina punished them on the counterattack deep into extra-time stoppage time. Thiago Almada led the break before Lautaro Martínez finished off the move to secure victory.
Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday, while Spain and France will meet in the other last-four encounter.
The holders remain on course to become only the third nation after Italy and Brazil to successfully defend a World Cup title, although their journey has already tested their resilience after needing extra time against Cape Verde in the round of 32.
With 39-year-old Messi remaining a key figure for Argentina, their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup triumphs continues but England now stands between them and another final appearance.
