FIFA World Cup 2026™
Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 to reach World Cup semi-finals
Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, surviving a third consecutive dramatic knockout tie to keep alive their bid to retain the trophy.… Show More
Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, surviving a third consecutive dramatic knockout tie to keep alive their bid to retain the trophy.
Lionel Scaloni's side made the perfect start in Kansas City, taking the lead after just 10 minutes. Lionel Messi delivered a corner into the box and Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to glance a header into the far corner, handing La Albiceleste an early advantage.
Despite dominating possession for long spells, Switzerland gradually grew into the contest and found a deserved equaliser midway through the second half. Dan Ndoye swept home in the 67th minute after being picked out by a clever pass from Ricardo Rodriguez, leaving Emiliano Martinez with no chance.
The game swung dramatically just five minutes later when Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card following a VAR review for simulation, reducing Switzerland to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Argentina pushed for a winner before full-time, with Mac Allister heading wide from close range and Messi curling an effort narrowly past the post, but the resilient Swiss defence held firm to force extra time.
Switzerland continued to frustrate the reigning world champions throughout the opening period of extra time, repelling wave after wave of Argentine attacks as penalties loomed.
However, the breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute through a moment of individual brilliance from Julián Alvarez. The forward curled a breathtaking strike into the top corner to restore Argentina's lead and send their supporters into a frenzy.
Lautaro Martinez then added a late third goal to seal the victory and ensure Argentina's place in the last four.
The reigning champions progressed after another gruelling knockout encounter, having already been pushed all the way in previous rounds, and remain on course to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals after Thomas Tuchel's side defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time earlier on Saturday. The meeting will renew one of international football's fiercest rivalries, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
England and Argentina have produced several memorable World Cup meetings over the years, including Argentina's famous 2-1 victory in 1986 featuring Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" goal and his celebrated solo effort, before Argentina won a penalty shootout in 1998 and England claimed revenge four years later.
With another dramatic victory secured, Argentina are now one win away from reaching a second successive World Cup final as their title defence gathers momentum.
