Argentina beats Swiss 3-1 in extra time to advance to World Cup semifinals

Argentina has secured its place in the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a tense quarterfinal match held at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

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Argentina immediately took the initiative to attack from the start of the match.

La Albiceleste, managed by Lionel Scaloni, took an early lead in the 10th minute from a set piece. Lionel Messi delivered a corner kick that Alexis Mac Allister headed into the net, giving Argentina a 1-0 advantage. Switzerland attempted to respond, with Breel Embolo drawing a penalty claim in the 31st minute that was waved away by the referee. Embolo received a yellow card in the 44th minute for a foul.

In the second half, Switzerland increased their attacking pressure. Emiliano Martinez made a crucial save in the 65th minute to deny Dan Ndoye's close-range header. However, two minutes later, Ndoye successfully found the back of the net in the 67th minute, equalizing the score at 1-1 with a low shot into the bottom right corner of the goal.

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Lionel Messi sent a corner kick that was met by Alexis Mac Allister's header.

The match saw a significant turning point when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was involved in another incident. After a VAR review in the 70th minute for a harsh foul, his earlier yellow card was upgraded to a second yellow in the 72nd minute, resulting in his expulsion and leaving Switzerland to play with 10 men. Despite the advantage, Argentina could not score within the remaining regulation time, forcing the match into extra time.

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However, two minutes later, Ndoye finally managed to break through Argentina's defense.

In extra time, Argentina faced further setbacks with injuries to Enzo Fernandez and Leandro Paredes. However, their pressure eventually paid off in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez scored a powerful shot into the right corner of the goal, making it 2-1. As Switzerland pushed for an equalizer, Lautaro Martinez sealed Argentina's victory in the second half of extra time, scoring from a rebound after a scramble in the box. The final score was 3-1.

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After previously only receiving a yellow card, the decision changed to a second yellow card in the 72nd minute, forcing Embolo to leave the field earlier and Switzerland to play with 10 men.