KUALA LUMPUR – Defending champions Argentina survived a stern Swiss challenge before grinding out a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals at the Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, United States, on Saturday (July 11).
Switzerland made a positive start and threatened in the seventh minute when Granit Xhaka’s effort went wide.
Despite Switzerland’s early pressure, midfielder Alexis Mac Allister gave Lionel Scaloni’s side the lead three minutes later, heading home from skipper and superstar Lionel Messi’s corner.
Murat Yakin’s side sought an equaliser, but Djibril Sow’s 18-yard effort went straight to Emiliano Martinez in the 20th minute as the Argentines took a 1-0 lead into half-time.
After the break, Martinez produced back-to-back saves to deny winger Dan Ndoye’s glancing header in the 65th minute before getting down to meet Xhaka’s bouncing strike from range moments later.
Switzerland’s persistence paid off as Ndoye raced in off the left, exchanged passes with left back Ricardo Rodriguez and swept home a composed finish past Martinez to make it 1-1.
However, Switzerland were reduced to 10 men when forward Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation after the Video Assistance Referee (VAR) review in the 72nd minute.
Messi came close to snatching a late winner for Argentina but his right-footed effort curled just wide in the second minute of second-half injury time while defender Lisandro Martinez’s acrobatic attempt was saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, sending the match into extra time.
In extra time, the three-time world champions pinned Switzerland back in their own half and nearly found the second goal in the 95th minute when substitute Thiago Almada smashed an 18-yard effort into the side netting.
After piling on the pressure, La Albiceleste finally broke Switzerland’s resistance when Messi forced Kobel into a fine save before striker Julian Alvarez unleashed an unstoppable strike into the far corner in the 112th minute.
Striker Lautaro Martinez wrapped up the victory for Argentina, rolling the ball into the net following a swift counter-attack deep into second-half extra time to send them into the final four.
Argentina will take on England in Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta next after the 1966 champions edged Norway 2-1, also in extra time, at the Miami Stadium, Miami, earlier. – July 12, 2026