Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday.
Argentina made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland responded strongly in the second half, with Dan Ndoye curling in the equaliser from a tight angle in the 67th minute.
The Swiss suffered a major setback five minutes later when Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland defended resolutely and pushed the match into extra time. With a penalty shootout looming, Julián Álvarez produced the decisive moment in the 112th minute, curling a spectacular long-range effort into the top corner.
Lautaro Martínez then sealed the win deep into stoppage time, scoring in the 121st minute to complete a 3-1 triumph for Lionel Scaloni’s side.
Messi, although not on the scoresheet, played a key role by providing the assist for Argentina’s opening goal and guiding his team through a challenging quarterfinal.
Argentina’s victory keeps alive their hopes of retaining the World Cup title and sets up a highly anticipated semifinal clash against England.
For Switzerland, the defeat ended an impressive tournament run, with their disciplined performance after Embolo’s dismissal earning praise despite the late collapse in extra time.
