FIFA 2026: Argentina punch semi-final ticket with extra-time victory over Switzerland

Julian Alvarez produced a stunning strike as Argentina edged past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra-time on Saturday to book a blockbuster World Cup semi-final clash against arch-rivals England.

Argentina’s supporters turned the Kansas City stands into a sea of blue and white and had reason to celebrate early after Lionel Messi created the opening goal for Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute.

Switzerland fought back in the second half, with Dan Ndoye finding the equaliser. However, their hopes took a hit when Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation.


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Despite relentless pressure from Argentina, Switzerland held firm until Alvarez broke the deadlock in the 112th minute with a superb curling effort into the top corner during extra-time. Lautaro Martinez sealed the win with a late third goal.

The victory at Arrowhead Stadium sent Lionel Scaloni’s side into the semi-finals, where the tournament’s top four-ranked teams will compete for a place in the final.

Argentina are now unbeaten in their past 12 World Cup matches as they attempt to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to retain their World Cup crown.

The South Americans swept through the group phase but struggled past minnows Cape Verde and needed a spectacular comeback against Egypt.

Saturday's game was another attritional affair against a Swiss team seeking to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time.

Argentina took the lead with their first effort on target when Liverpool midfielder Mac Allister rose between Djibril Sow and Embolo to glance a header into the far corner.

Messi was the provider from a corner, taking his tally of assists across six World Cups to 10.

He is also joint top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals, level with French forward Kylian Mbappe but he did not find the net on Saturday.

The Swiss struggled to counter-punch but had a good chance on the half hour when goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was quickly off his line to deny Embolo.

Argentina failed to muster another effort on target before the break, with Switzerland outpassing the world champions.

The game struggled to catch fire early in the second half but Murat Yakin's men warmed to their task and got their deserved reward in the 67th minute, when Ndoye swept home following a clever ball from Ricardo Rodriguez.

Five minutes later Switzerland shot themselves in the foot when Embolo, who had been booked in the first half, threw himself to the ground and was dismissed following a VAR check.

Mac Allister headed wide with the goal at his mercy as the clock ticked down and Messi sent a curling shot narrowly wide but Switzerland held on to force extra-time.

They continued to repel constant attacks in the first period of extra-time.

But Argentina finally broke Switzerland's brave resistance with Alvarez's moment of magic, which was celebrated by the whole squad, who were on the pitch again minutes later following Martinez's strike.

Now the winners will turn their attention to the challenge of facing England in Atlanta on Wednesday after Thomas Tuchel's men overcame Norway 2-1 earlier on Saturday.

The history of matches between England and Argentina is peppered with flashpoints on the pitch, set against a lingering sovereignty dispute over the Falkland Islands, known in Spanish as the Malvinas, in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Britain sent a military taskforce in 1982 to reclaim the islands after Argentine troops invaded.

Four years later Argentina secured a 2-1 victory over England at the Estadio Azteca with goals from Diego Maradona -- one the infamous "Hand of God" goal and the other a dazzling solo effort considered one of the best ever.

The teams have faced each other twice in World Cups since 1986 -- Argentina won on penalties in 1998 while England gained revenge four years later.

(With inputs from agencies)