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Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Sunday, setting up a blockbuster last-four showdown against England.
The defending champions were pushed to the limit in Kansas City before late strikes from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez secured victory after Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off in the second half.
Lionel Messi was again at the heart of Argentina’s attacking play, providing the assist for Alexis Mac Allister’s early opener to move level with France captain Kylian Mbappé on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Argentina made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Messi delivered a precise pass for Mac Allister, who finished confidently to put Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead.
Switzerland responded strongly after the break and deservedly levelled in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who converted after being picked out by Ricardo Rodríguez.
The Swiss suffered a major setback five minutes later when Embolo was shown a second yellow card. The referee initially booked another player before a VAR review identified Embolo as the offender, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Switzerland resisted sustained Argentine pressure and forced the match into extra time.
Argentina eventually found the breakthrough in the 112th minute when Álvarez produced a moment of brilliance, curling an unstoppable strike into the top corner after being released by Julio López to restore his side’s advantage.
With Switzerland committing players forward in search of another equaliser, Argentina sealed victory deep into stoppage time. A swift counter-attack ended with Lautaro Martínez reacting quickest to tap home after Gregor Kobel parried Thiago Almada’s effort.
The victory keeps Argentina’s title defence alive and sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against England on Wednesday, with a place in the World Cup final at stake.
For Switzerland, the defeat brought an impressive campaign to an end after they matched the South Americans for long periods despite playing almost an hour with 10 men. Argentina, however, showed their experience and clinical edge when it mattered most to advance to the last four.
