Argentina defeats Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, advances to semi-final
Argentina secures semi-final berth
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final match held in Kansas City. This victory sets up a semi-final clash against England. The match saw Alexis Mac Allister open the scoring for Argentina, with Dan Ndoye equalising for Switzerland, before extra-time goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured Argentina’s progression.
The encounter, played at Arrowhead Stadium, was marked by a dramatic turn of events, including a red card for Switzerland’s Breel Embolo. Argentina will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Match details and key moments
Argentina took an early lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister scored with a header. Lionel Messi provided the assist from a corner kick, finding Mac Allister unmarked. Despite this early setback, Switzerland showed resilience and created several opportunities.
Breel Embolo had a promising chance in the first half, but a combined effort from Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez prevented him from getting a shot away. He had another significant opportunity shortly after the restart, which was denied by a block from Lisandro Martinez.
Switzerland’s sustained pressure eventually paid off in the 67th minute. Dan Ndoye linked up with Ricardo Rodriguez and fired a shot past Emi Martinez from a tight angle to level the score. However, Switzerland’s momentum was short-lived.
Five minutes after the equaliser, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Embolo. Following a VAR review under new mistaken identity rules, referee Joao Pinheiro issued a second yellow card to Embolo for simulation, resulting in his dismissal. This left Switzerland to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite being a man down, Switzerland managed to hold the reigning world champions until extra time. Both Messi and Mac Allister had chances to secure a win for Argentina before the final whistle of regular time, but they were unable to convert, forcing the game into extra time.
In extra time, Argentina capitalised on their numerical advantage. Julian Alvarez scored a goal from 25 yards, finding the top right corner of the net in the 112th minute, restoring Argentina’s lead. Lautaro Martinez then sealed the victory in the 120+1st minute, adding a third goal after Thiago Almada’s initial shot was saved.
Looking ahead to the semi-finals
The victory means Argentina will proceed to face England in the semi-finals. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations in 24 years. The winner of this match will advance to the final to play against either France or Spain.
Argentina has been taken to extra time twice in the tournament, including their quarter-final against Switzerland. In the last-16, Enzo Fernandez scored a 93rd-minute winner against Egypt, preventing that match from also going to extra time. England, their next opponent, also played an additional 30 minutes in their match against Norway, suggesting a level playing field in terms of recent physical exertion for both teams.
Switzerland’s journey in the tournament concluded after a determined effort against a strong Argentine side. Embolo’s red card was a pivotal moment that altered the dynamics of the game, making it more challenging for the Swiss to maintain their defensive stand against Argentina’s attacking prowess.
The semi-final match between Argentina and England is scheduled for Wednesday at 8pm UK time in Atlanta.
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Source: skysports.com
