Argentina Outlast Switzerland After Extra Time to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Argentina Outlast Switzerland After Extra Time to Reach World Cup Semi-finals

Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez Strike Late as Defending Champions Win 3-1

Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a tense quarter-final clash in Kansas City.

Lionel Scaloni's side were pushed to their limits once again, but late goals from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez eventually broke Swiss resistance and set up a blockbuster semi-final showdown against England.

The defending champions made a strong start and took the lead in the 10th minute. Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner into the penalty area, where Alexis Mac Allister rose highest to power a header beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Argentina dominated possession for long spells of the first half, but Switzerland remained dangerous on the counterattack. Breel Embolo came close to equalising on multiple occasions, only to be denied by Emiliano Martinez and the Argentine defence.

The Swiss finally found their breakthrough in the 66th minute. A dangerous cross from the left found Dan Ndoye, who calmly finished from close range to bring Switzerland level and silence the Argentine supporters.

The match took another dramatic turn four minutes later when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off, reducing Switzerland to ten men. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Murat Yakin's side defended heroically and forced the contest into extra time.

Argentina created several opportunities after the red card but struggled to find a way past Kobel and a determined Swiss backline. Messi came close with a curling effort in stoppage time, while Thiago Almada and Julian Alvarez also tested the goalkeeper.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute. Julian Alvarez received the ball on the left side of the box and produced a brilliant finish to restore Argentina's lead and put one foot in the semi-finals.

Switzerland pushed forward desperately in search of another equaliser, but that left space at the back. Deep into stoppage time, Lautaro Martinez finished off a swift counterattack to seal a 3-1 victory and send Argentina into the final four.

Match Result

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (After Extra Time)

Goals

Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina) – 10'

Dan Ndoye (Switzerland) – 66'

Julian Alvarez (Argentina) – 112'

Lautaro Martinez (Argentina) – 120+1'

Key Moment

Julian Alvarez's superb strike in the 112th minute finally broke Switzerland's resistance after the ten-man Swiss had defended bravely for over 40 minutes.

Argentina advance to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals, where they will face England in a highly anticipated clash, while Switzerland exit the tournament after an impressive and courageous campaign.