Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 3–1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals on 12 July 2026. Alexis Mac Allister gave the defending champions an early lead before Switzerland equalised through Dan Ndoye. Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez scored in extra time to secure Argentina’s place in the last four.
Argentina made a positive start at Kansas City Stadium and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messi’s corner. Switzerland responded with a disciplined defensive display and gradually grew into the contest. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute as Dan Ndoye equalised, setting up a tense finish to normal time.
The match took another turn in the 72nd minute when Switzerland striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, reducing the Swiss side to 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Switzerland held Argentina through the remainder of regulation, forcing the quarter-final into extra time.
Argentina eventually capitalised on the extra space. Julián Álvarez restored the lead in the 112th minute after following up a rebound, before Lautaro Martínez added a third goal in second-half stoppage time of extra time to seal a 3–1 victory. Lionel Scaloni’s side progressed to the semi-finals, where they were set to face England as they continued their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
- Alexis Mac Allister (Argentina): Opened the scoring in the 10th minute.
- Dan Ndoye (Switzerland): Equalised in the 67th minute.
- Julián Álvarez (Argentina): Scored the decisive goal in the 112th minute.
- Lautaro Martínez (Argentina): Added Argentina’s third goal in the 121st minute.
- Lionel Messi (Argentina): Assisted Mac Allister’s opening goal.
- Breel Embolo (Switzerland): Sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card.
The turning point came when Breel Embolo was dismissed after a VAR review in the 72nd minute. Argentina eventually made their numerical advantage count in extra time, with Julián Álvarez breaking the deadlock before Lautaro Martínez sealed the result late on.
Match Statistics
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Round: Quarter-final
- Date: 12 July 2026
- Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Result: Argentina 3–1 Switzerland (AET)
- Half-time: Argentina 1–0 Switzerland
- Full-time: Argentina 1–1 Switzerland
- Goals:
- Alexis Mac Allister (10′)
- Dan Ndoye (67′)
- Julián Álvarez (112′)
- Lautaro Martínez (120+1′)
- Red Card: Breel Embolo (Switzerland, second yellow, 72′)
- Assist: Lionel Messi (Mac Allister goal)