Argentina secured a place in the 2026 World Cup semi finals after overcoming Switzerland in a dramatic extra time battle in the intense Kansas City heat.
Julian Alvarez produced the decisive moment with a spectacular 25 yard strike, bending the ball beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. Lautaro Martinez later added another goal on the counter as the defending champions sealed a meeting with England in Atlanta.
Switzerland will leave the tournament frustrated after competing impressively for long periods. Their challenge became significantly harder when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card following a VAR review.
The Swiss forward initially went down near the halfway line following an apparent challenge from Leandro Paredes. Paredes was first booked, but officials reviewed the incident under the mistaken identity process. Replays showed Embolo had gone to ground without contact. The original caution was cancelled and Embolo, already on a booking, was dismissed.
Argentina had made the perfect start when Alexis Mac Allister redirected Lionel Messi’s corner at the near post after only 10 minutes. However, Lionel Scaloni’s team struggled to build on their advantage.
Switzerland gradually took control and earned an equaliser in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye combined with Ricardo Rodriguez before cutting inside and finishing through Emiliano Martinez’s legs.
Embolo’s dismissal five minutes later completely changed the contest. Argentina increased the pressure but still found Kobel difficult to beat until Alvarez produced his brilliant extra time finish.
Despite the result, Argentina delivered another unconvincing display. For the third consecutive match, they found a way to win despite failing to dominate as expected. Emiliano Martinez was kept busy, denying Ndoye, Embolo and Granit Xhaka during Switzerland’s strongest spells.
Argentina’s attacking quality ultimately proved decisive. They have now scored in 15 successive World Cup matches and have registered at least two goals in their past 11 games. That achievement sets a new tournament record, surpassing Uruguay’s previous sequence between 1930 and 1954.
Messi failed to score for the first time at this World Cup, but still created history. The Argentine captain became the first male player to record 10 assists in World Cup matches.
Switzerland’s quarter final disappointment continues, with six defeats from six last eight appearances at major tournaments.
Argentina now face England in the second World Cup semi final at 20.00 BST on Wednesday, 15 July in Atlanta, with their dream of winning consecutive world titles still alive.
