Argentina edges Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semifinals

Argentina once again flirted with danger, but ultimately secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland. The Albiceleste, who had a perfect group stage, found themselves in tense matches in previous rounds, and this quarterfinal proved no different.

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The Argentinians in the previous two rounds could have given their fans heart attacks.

Switzerland, despite never having beaten Argentina and missing their top scorer Johan Manzambi due to injury, entered the match on an impressive 11-game unbeaten streak in competitive fixtures. However, their strong run ended in Kansas City. Argentina took the lead in the tenth minute through Alexis Mac Allister's header from a Lionel Messi corner, marking Messi's tenth World Cup assist, a tournament record.

Former German goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had stoked pre-match tensions by suggesting the Swiss showed too much respect for Messi. Switzerland's captain Granit Xhaka responded, stating they would prove themselves on the field. They did, equalizing in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye. The match took another turn when Switzerland's Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review, leaving them a man down.

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Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead with a header after a Leo Messi cross from a corner kick.

Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina, seemingly content to advance with minimal effort, required extra time. In the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez unleashed a spectacular shot into the top corner, a goal that could be a contender for the tournament's best. Lautaro Martinez sealed the win in the dying moments of extra time after a swift counter-attack.

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It was Messi's tenth assist in the World Cup. No one has more.

Argentina now faces England in the semifinals in Atlanta. The other semifinal pits France against Spain in Dallas. The historical record between Argentina and England is unfavorable for the South Americans, but they hold a significant memory from their 1986 World Cup quarterfinal victory over England, thanks to two Diego Maradona goals.

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We have no influence on what people say about us. The only thing we can do is show on the field what we are capable of.