Argentina survived a major scare against a stubborn Switzerland side, edging a dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final 3-1 after extra time to book their place in the semi-finals. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez proved to be decisive this time as the reigning champions overcame a spirited Swiss challenge in a contest that stretched well beyond 90 minutes.
Alexis Mac Allister scored an early lead for Argentina
Argentina struck first in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to meet Messi’s pinpoint corner and steer a header beyond Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, giving Lionel Scaloni’s side an early advantage. The goal appeared to settle Argentina, who controlled possession for long spells while Switzerland remained compact and disciplined.
The Swiss, however, gradually grew into the match and found their reward midway through the second half. Dan Ndoye capitalised on a rare defensive lapse to fire home the equaliser, silencing the largely Argentine crowd and setting up a tense finale.
Despite Argentina’s dominance in possession, Switzerland continued to threaten on the counterattack. Breel Embolo and Fabian Rieder stretched the Argentine backline, while Granit Xhaka dictated the tempo from midfield.
In the 67th minute of the game, Swiss winger Dan Ndoye equalized for Switzerland by slipping a low shot through goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez into the right side of the net. The goal originated from a well-placed pass from veteran defender Ricardo Rodriguez, who slipped the ball in behind the defence to set up the clinical finish.
Why was Breel Embolo sent off against Argentina?
The European side’s hopes suffered a major blow late in regulation time when Embolo received a second yellow card, reducing Switzerland to ten men from the 72nd minute of the game. Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR review overturned the referee’s original decision. João Pinheiro had initially booked Leandro Paredes for a foul, but after checking the replay, ruled there was no foul and instead cautioned Embolo for simulation. As it was his second yellow card, the Switzerland forward was shown a red card, reducing his side to 10 men.
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With the numerical advantage, Argentina pushed forward relentlessly in extra time. Messi drifted into deeper pockets to orchestrate attacks, while Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández tested the Swiss defence. The breakthrough finally arrived in the second period of extra time when Argentina’s pressure paid off, as the defending champions found the decisive goal to end Switzerland’s resistance and send the Albiceleste into the last four.
Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martinez fire Argentina into the semi-finals
The goal from Ndoye helped the Swiss side to stay alive in the game and stretched the game to extra time. Argentine striker Julian Álvarez scored the go-ahead goal against Switzerland in the 112th minute of extra time to break a 1-1 tie. After a strong save initially denied Argentina, the ball was recycled, laid off to Álvarez, and he arrowed an unstoppable 18-yard strike into the far corner.
Just 8 minutes later, in the 120th minute of the game, Lautaro Martinez came up with the final goal, the 3rd for Argentina.
The victory continues Argentina’s remarkable journey at the tournament after their dramatic comeback from 2-0 down against Egypt in the Round of 16. Messi, playing what could be his final World Cup, once again played a central role as Argentina moved within two wins of retaining the trophy.
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Argentina will now face England in a blockbuster semi-final clash after the Three Lions defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time earlier on Saturday. The encounter promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament, with Messi aiming to keep Argentina’s title defence alive.
FAQs
Who scored for Argentina against Switzerland in the World Cup quarter-final?
Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in Argentina’s 3-1 extra-time victory.
Who will Argentina face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals?
Argentina will take on England after the Three Lions defeated Norway in the quarter-finals.