Argentina needed extra time to overcome a stubborn Switzerland side, securing a 3-1 victory in Kansas City to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face England. Lionel Scaloni’s side have now reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in their last four tournaments and have made back-to-back semi-final appearances for the first time since 1990.
The reigning champions also moved one step closer to defending their World Cup crown, a feat no nation has achieved since Brazil won consecutive titles in 1958 and 1962. It was also Argentina’s third World Cup victory over Switzerland after previous successes in 1966 and 2014.
Argentina made the perfect start and took the lead after just 10 minutes. Lionel Messi delivered two corners in quick succession after Ricardo Rodriguez headed his first delivery behind. His second cross found Alexis Mac Allister, who brilliantly rose above Manuel Akanji before directing a precise header beyond Gregor Kobel from close range.
The assist was another milestone for Messi, taking him to 10 goal contributions at the 2026 World Cup with eight goals and two assists.
Switzerland enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to break down Argentina’s disciplined defence. Their best opportunity before the interval came through Michel Aebischer and Ardon Jashari’s build-up before Djibril Sow tested Emiliano Martinez from distance, although the Argentine goalkeeper remained comfortable.
A controversial moment arrived in the 32nd minute when Dan Ndoye burst past Rodrigo De Paul before sending Breel Embolo through on goal. Emiliano Martinez rushed to the edge of his area and challenged both the ball and the striker, but the referee waved away Switzerland’s appeals for a penalty.
Tensions continued to rise before half-time. Embolo caught Leandro Paredes with an outstretched leg near the halfway line and received the first yellow card of the match after the referee judged his reaction excessive.
Argentina entered the break deservedly ahead after producing the only real clear-cut chance of the opening 45 minutes. While Switzerland controlled possession for periods, Scaloni’s men defended superbly and looked dangerous whenever they attacked.
Switzerland finally threatened seriously midway through the second half, but Martinez once again showed why he remains one of the world’s best goalkeepers. The Aston Villa shot stopper dived brilliantly to push away Ndoye’s powerful header from Rodriguez’s cross before gathering the loose ball through Nicolas Tagliafico.
The Swiss eventually found their equaliser in the 67th minute. Ndoye combined neatly with Rodriguez on the edge of the penalty area before cutting inside from a tight angle and firing a composed finish beyond Martinez into the far corner to make it 1-1.
Only minutes later, the match turned dramatically following a lengthy VAR review. Initially, Paredes received a yellow card after a challenge involving Embolo. However, the referee reviewed the incident and concluded the Swiss striker had exaggerated the contact in an attempt to win a foul.
The original booking for Paredes was overturned before Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation. The decision reduced Switzerland to 10 men with just 18 minutes remaining, leaving the striker in tears as he walked off the pitch.
Argentina pushed hard to make their numerical advantage count. Kobel denied Messi in the 84th minute after the captain expertly controlled a long pass with his chest before attempting a delicate finish. Moments later, Mac Allister headed narrowly wide after Nicolas Gonzalez kept the ball alive near the byline.
Deep into stoppage time, Messi’s corner eventually reached Lisandro Martinez, whose spectacular scissor kick forced Kobel into another outstanding one-handed save to keep Switzerland alive.
Despite playing with 10 men, Switzerland survived until extra time. Almada came close five minutes into the additional period, but his low effort found the side netting.
Argentina entered extra time unbeaten in their previous 11 World Cup matches since losing to Saudi Arabia in their opening game of the 2022 tournament, their longest unbeaten run in World Cup history.
Their breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute through a moment of individual brilliance. Julio Soler worked the ball back to Julian Alvarez, who shifted inside from the left edge of the penalty area before curling a magnificent strike into the top corner, giving Kobel no chance and putting Argentina 2-1 ahead.
Messi nearly wrapped up victory late on after gliding into the penalty area with trademark close control, but Granit Xhaka produced an excellent block to concede a corner.
Argentina eventually sealed their place in the semi-finals in stoppage time. Alvarez dispossessed Xhaka deep inside Argentina’s half before launching a rapid counter attack. Thiago Almada raced through on goal and saw his effort saved by Kobel, but Lautaro Martinez reacted quickest to slot the rebound into the empty net and make it 3-1.
The final whistle confirmed another memorable victory for the world champions, who will now face England in Wednesday’s World Cup semi-final in Atlanta.
Interestingly, Messi has never faced England at senior international level. He made his Argentina debut in 2005 after Argentina had already played England earlier that year.
After full-time, Argentina’s players remained on the pitch to celebrate with their supporters. Messi applauded the travelling fans, while match winner Julian Alvarez soaked in the atmosphere with joyful celebrations as Argentina moved within one step of another World Cup final.
