Argentina 3-1 Switzerland
Argentina goals: Alexis Mac Allister (10), Julián Alvarez (112), Lautaro Martínez (120+1) Switzerland goals: Dan Ndoye (67)
KANSAS CITY — Julián Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time as Argentina outlasted Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in the FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-finals. Lionel Scaloni’s side, who were at a numerical advantage for almost 50 minutes, will now face fierce rivals England in the second semi-final at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
Switzerland started brightly, but Argentina struck first early through an unlikely source. Lionel Messi swung in the corner and 1.76-metre Alexis Mac Allister, despite being surrounded by towering opponents, headed it home firmly.
They were indebted to Emiliano Martínez for staying ahead. Breel Embolo escaped Lisandro Martínez’s handcuffs and raced through on goal, only for the goalkeeper to race from his line and avert the danger. A defence-piercing Messi pass sent Nahuel Molina racing towards goal shortly into the second half, but the right-back dragged his shot wide.
Switzerland suddenly took over and Dan Ndoye, after having one attempt heroically blocked by Lisandro and another saved superbly by Emiliano, slotted them level.
The contest then swung back into Argentina’s favour when, in the 72nd minute, Embolo collected his second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. Messi almost snatched victory in normal time when he jinked inside and, with his right foot, curled the ball narrowly wide.
Thiago Almada clipped the outside of Gregor Kobel’s post at the start of extra time, before a breathtaking Alvarez curler put Argentina in front and Lautaro sealed the deal.
Stats
-
Alexis Mac Allister’s goal meant Switzerland fell behind for the first time in 17 hours and 10 minutes in qualifying for or at these finals.
-
Argentina netted in their 15th successive World Cup game. The only teams with longer scoring streaks in the competition are Uruguay (16 games from 1930-1962), Hungary (17 games from 1934-1962), Germany (18 games from 1986-1998), Germany (18 games from 1934-1958) and Brazil (18 games from 1930-1958).
-
Argentina became the first team ever to score two goals in the same extra-time half in multiple matches in one World Cup.
What they said…
“The truth is we suffered today. We knew they were a very physical team. I think they put us in a lot of difficulty. We weren’t able to get out of certain situations. The truth is that luck was on our side today, because they had a player sent off and, from there, the team went on the attack. We have to be realistic, we have things to improve on, but winning is always better. That said, what this team achieved today is historic. Even though we could have played better, being in a semi-final again is historic.” Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
“[I’m] very happy, above all. We kept trying until the end, things got difficult even though we had an extra man, the extra time… But well, we knew that if we kept going all together, the goal was going to come, and that’s how it was. Obviously we would have preferred to win it earlier, but we know it’s not easy. All the matches at the World Cup have been like that. And well, with two more to go, we’re going to go all out for it.” Julián Alvarez, Argentina forward
Information and Photos Courtesy of FIFA
Follow us on Social Media for updates and exclusive content
Instagram: @latinosportsoficial
Facebook: Latino Sports
Twitter: @latinosports
