Omanghana
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a dramatic quarterfinal encounter that went beyond 120 minutes at Kansas City Stadium.
The match proved to be a demanding test for Lionel Messi and his teammates, as a disciplined Swiss side pushed Argentina to the limit before late extra-time strikes from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez finally secured victory for La Albiceleste.
The result keeps Argentina’s hopes of successfully defending their World Cup crown alive, setting up a blockbuster semifinal meeting with England.
Argentina Strike Early Through Mac Allister
Argentina made the perfect start, taking the lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister.
The midfielder produced a superb glancing header at the far post after meeting a perfectly delivered corner kick from Lionel Messi, giving the defending champions early control of the contest.
Despite falling behind, Switzerland remained organized and refused to allow Argentina to dominate proceedings.
Switzerland Fight Back in Second Half
The Swiss side grew into the match after halftime and were rewarded for their persistence in the 67th minute.
Dan Ndoye brought Switzerland level after connecting with a cross from Ricardo Rodríguez and calmly finishing from a difficult angle beyond Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.
The equalizer transformed the momentum of the game and gave Switzerland renewed belief that they could produce a major World Cup upset.
VAR Drama as Switzerland Reduced to 10 Men
The turning point arrived in the 72nd minute when Switzerland were reduced to 10 players following a dramatic VAR intervention.
Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card for a challenge, but after reviewing the incident, officials determined that Swiss forward Breel Embolo had simulated contact before the tackle.
The decision overturned the initial assessment, with Embolo receiving a second yellow card for simulation and being sent off.
The red card forced Switzerland to defend with a numerical disadvantage for the remainder of the match.
Álvarez and Martínez Seal Victory in Extra Time
Despite having an extra player, Argentina struggled to break through Switzerland’s determined defensive structure during the closing stages of normal time.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute.
Julián Álvarez produced a moment of individual brilliance, cutting inside from the left before curling a spectacular effort toward the far post to put Argentina ahead.
Switzerland continued to push forward, but Argentina delivered the decisive blow in stoppage time of extra time.
In the 120th+1 minute, Lautaro Martínez completed the victory on a fast counter-attack, finishing a rebound after Thiago Almada’s initial attempt was saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Argentina Set Up Semifinal Clash With England
The victory sends Argentina into the World Cup semifinals as they continue their quest to retain the trophy they won in 2022.
Their next challenge will be a highly anticipated showdown against England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.
England reached the semifinals earlier in the day after defeating Norway 2-1 in extra time, setting up one of the tournament’s most eagerly awaited encounters.
With two footballing giants now set to meet on the biggest stage, fans around the world are preparing for a semifinal clash featuring two nations with rich World Cup histories and ambitions of lifting the trophy.
Source: Omanghana
