KANSAS CITY: Defending champions Argentina produced a dramatic late surge to defeat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals, securing a place in the last four where they will face England.
After a tense contest appeared destined for a penalty shootout, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time to send Lionel Messi’s side into the semi-finals and keep alive their dream of becoming the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup since Brazil in 1962.
Argentina strike late to seal victory
The quarter-final at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium delivered plenty of drama as Argentina finally broke Switzerland’s resistance in the closing stages of extra time.
With the match finely balanced, Julian Alvarez produced a moment of brilliance in the 112th minute, curling a stunning long-range effort into the top corner beyond the reach of Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Nine minutes later, Lautaro Martínez wrapped up the victory by converting the rebound after Thiago Almada’s initial effort was saved, making it 3-1 and sparking jubilant celebrations among Argentina’s supporters.
The victory sends Argentina into a blockbuster semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Mac Allister opens the scoring
Argentina made a dream start when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messi’s corner in the 10th minute.
His clever flick at the near post beat Kobel and gave the reigning champions an early advantage, marking the first time Switzerland had fallen behind during the tournament.
Despite conceding early, the Swiss gradually settled into the contest and began creating opportunities.
Switzerland fight back despite setback
Switzerland, appearing in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, responded strongly after the break.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye combined with Ricardo Rodriguez before calmly finishing through the legs of Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez to level the score at 1-1.
However, Switzerland’s hopes suffered a major blow just five minutes later.
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Forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review, reducing the Swiss to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Embolo left the field in tears as teammates attempted to console him.
Messi continues World Cup dream
Backed by thousands of passionate supporters who transformed the stadium into a sea of sky blue and white, Argentina pushed relentlessly for a winner.
The 39-year-old Lionel Messi, playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup, nearly ended the match in stoppage time when his powerful shot narrowly missed the post.
Although Switzerland defended bravely and looked set to force penalties, Argentina’s relentless pressure finally paid off in extra time through Alvarez’s spectacular strike before Martínez sealed the result.
Argentina one step closer to history
The victory keeps Argentina’s title defence alive as they seek to become the first nation in more than six decades to win back-to-back FIFA World Cups.
Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated semi-final against England, with a place in the 2026 World Cup final at stake.
Despite their elimination, Switzerland impressed throughout the tournament by reaching the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years, producing one of their best World Cup campaigns in modern history before eventually falling to the defending champions.
