Argentina aims to keep its title defense alive

Argentina will face Switzerland on Saturday, July 11, with a place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the line.

The reigning world champions arrive after one of their toughest matches of the tournament, rallying from a two-goal deficit to defeat Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16. Lionel Messi missed a first-half penalty, but goals from Cristian Romero, the captain himself and Enzo Fernández completed a memorable comeback.

It has not been an easy knockout stage for Lionel Scaloni's side. Before overcoming Egypt, Argentina also needed extra time to edge Cape Verde 3-2, highlighting the fine margins that have defined its path to the quarterfinals.

Despite those struggles, La Albiceleste continues to find ways to win when it matters most.

Scaloni is weighing two changes

Argentina's coaching staff is expected to retain the foundation of the team that advanced to the quarterfinals, believing the overall performance against Egypt deserved a better scoreline despite the early setbacks.

Still, two positions remain undecided.

At right back, Gonzalo Montiel is pushing to replace Nahuel Molina after making a strong impact off the bench against Egypt.

Montiel helped create Messi's equalizer and added energy down the right flank, giving Scaloni something to think about before naming his starting XI.

The second decision comes in attack, where Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are competing for the chance to partner Messi.

Lautaro played a key role after coming off the bench in the Round of 16, contributing to Argentina's equalizer before assisting Enzo Fernández for the winning goal.

Scaloni is weighing two changes

Argentina's coaching staff is expected to retain the foundation of the team that advanced to the quarterfinals, believing the overall performance against Egypt deserved a better scoreline despite the early setbacks.

Still, two positions remain undecided.

At right back, Gonzalo Montiel is pushing to replace Nahuel Molina after making a strong impact off the bench against Egypt.

Montiel helped create Messi's equalizer and added energy down the right flank, giving Scaloni something to think about before naming his starting XI.

The second decision comes in attack, where Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez are competing for the chance to partner Messi.

Lautaro played a key role after coming off the bench in the Round of 16, contributing to Argentina's equalizer before assisting Enzo Fernández for the winning goal.

Switzerland presents another difficult challenge

Switzerland arrives full of confidence after eliminating Colombia in a penalty shootout to reach the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

Led by Murat Yakin and captain Granit Xhaka, the Swiss have built their campaign on defensive organization, discipline and efficiency.

Argentina will enter the match as the favorite, but Scaloni knows there is little margin for error against a team that has consistently punished opponents' mistakes throughout the tournament.

With two starting positions still under evaluation, the reigning champions hope to find the right balance as they continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles.

Argentina's Possible Lineup vs Switzerland

Formation: 4-4-2

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez.

Defenders: Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolás Tagliafico.

Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister.

Forwards: Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martínez.

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