Argentina beats Switzerland 3-1 to set up World Cup semifinal with England

Argentina advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in a tense quarter-final clash in Kansas City, setting up a high-stakes showdown against England. The match, marked by a controversial red card, a last-minute golazo, and a dramatic finish, showcased the resilience of the defending champions as they navigated another close call in their quest for a historic back-to-back title.

The game began with Argentina dominating possession, and their pressure paid off in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a Lionel Messi corner to give the South Americans an early lead. Switzerland, however, responded with vigor after halftime, equalizing through Dan Ndoye’s 67th-minute strike. The Swiss striker’s goal, following a clever one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, shifted the momentum, but their hopes of progressing were dashed moments later when Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review.

The red card proved pivotal. Embolo’s dismissal left Switzerland with 10 men, forcing them into a defensive posture. Despite their efforts, Argentina struggled to capitalize on their numerical advantage during regulation, with Emiliano Martinez making crucial saves to keep the game level. The deadlock was finally broken in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner, sending the Argentina fans into a frenzy. Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory in the 121st minute, adding a third goal as Switzerland’s resistance crumbled.

Argentina’s path to the semi-final was anything but straightforward. The team, which had already faced Cape Verde and Egypt in nail-biting encounters, once again relied on late heroics. Coach Lionel Scaloni acknowledged the challenges, stating, “We had to suffer a lot but we knew they were a physical team. We had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off.” The win extended Argentina’s unbeaten run in World Cup matches to 12 games, but it also highlighted their reliance on individual brilliance, particularly from Alvarez, who scored his first World Cup goal of the tournament.

Switzerland’s campaign came to an end in heartbreak, as they fell short of their historic goal of reaching a first-ever World Cup semi-final. The Swiss, who had shown resilience and creativity, were left to rue Embolo’s controversial dismissal, which shifted the game’s momentum. Their coach, Murat Yakin, acknowledged the setback, emphasizing the difficulty of facing a team with such a rich history and star power.

The semi-final against England, a rematch of the 2014 World Cup quarter-final, promises to be a fiercely contested encounter. England, who also needed extra time to eliminate Norway, will face a Argentina side that has proven its ability to thrive under pressure. The match, scheduled for July 15, will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations in 24 years, reigniting a rivalry steeped in history and tension.

For Argentina, the victory underscores both their enduring quality and their vulnerability. While their ability to win in dramatic fashion remains a hallmark, the team’s struggles against organized defenses and their dependence on key moments have raised questions about their consistency. Yet, with Messi and Alvarez in form, and a semi-final against England on the horizon, the Albiceleste remain favorites to lift the trophy once more.