Argentina advance to semi-finals
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final match, setting up a semi-final clash with England. The match, held in Kansas City, saw Julian Alvarez score a decisive goal in extra time, with Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez also finding the net for Argentina. This victory extends Argentina‘s unbeaten run in World Cup games to 12, a streak that began in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.
The defending champions took an early lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed in a cross from Lionel Messi. However, Switzerland responded in the 67th minute, with Dan Ndoye levelling the score after a link-up with Ricardo Rodriguez. The Swiss team’s momentum was short-lived, as Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute, following a VAR review under new mistaken identity rules. This left Switzerland playing with 10 men for a significant portion of the match.
Key moments and extra time drama
Despite being a man down, Switzerland managed to hold Argentina at bay for the remainder of normal time, forcing the match into extra time. Both Messi and Mac Allister had opportunities to secure a win for Argentina before the final whistle of regulation time, but they were unable to convert their chances. The first 15 minutes of extra time saw Argentina create more opportunities, but Switzerland‘s defence remained resolute.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez scored a stunning goal from approximately 25 yards out, curling his shot into the top right corner. This was Alvarez‘s first goal of the tournament. In the dying moments of extra time, Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina‘s victory by slotting home a third goal after Thiago Almada‘s initial shot was saved, with the rebound falling to Martinez.
The match was marked by several notable moments, including a strong free-kick from Granit Xhaka and crucial defensive plays by Lisandro Martinez for Argentina. The sending-off of Embolo generated considerable discussion, contributing to ongoing discourse about refereeing decisions and VAR implementation in the tournament. Embolo was reportedly inconsolable after being shown the red card.
Looking ahead to the semi-finals
Argentina‘s victory sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against England, scheduled to take place in Atlanta on Wednesday. This will be the first competitive encounter between the two nations in 24 years. The other semi-final will feature France against Spain. Argentina‘s journey to the semi-finals has included being pushed to extra time in two of their last three matches, including a round of 32 victory against Cape Verde and the quarter-final against Switzerland.
Some observers have noted that Argentina‘s style of play, while leading to victories, has made some matches appear more challenging than expected. However, England also required extra time to defeat Norway in their quarter-final match, suggesting that both teams will face similar levels of fatigue heading into the semi-final. Argentina aims to become the first back-to-back World Cup champion since Brazil in 1962.
The semi-final match between Argentina and England is scheduled for Wednesday at 8pm UK time.
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Source: theguardian.com
George Hartwell is the Senior Football Correspondent at News-GB.org, covering the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side with twelve years of reporting experience. He reported on West Country football before national coverage. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from the University of the West of England and completed an NCTJ diploma. Based in Bristol, he watches grassroots football and writes a tactics column. “Tactics tell you more than any scoreline.”