Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a dramatic quarter-final encounter in Kansas City on Saturday.
Gatekeepers News reports that Argentina took the lead in the first half when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner, but Switzerland responded through Dan Ndoye, who levelled the score in the 67th minute to force a tense finish.
The match took another twist five minutes later when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off following a VAR review, leaving Switzerland to play the remainder of the contest with 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the European side held out until extra time.
Argentina eventually made their advantage count in the 112th minute as Julián Álvarez unleashed a long-range strike to restore his side’s lead. Lautaro Martínez added a third goal deep into stoppage time of extra time to seal victory and send Lionel Scaloni’s men into the last four.
The victory keeps Argentina’s hopes of retaining the World Cup alive, a feat no nation has achieved since Brazil successfully defended the title in 1962. Lionel Messi, although he did not score, played a key role by providing the assist for Argentina’s opening goal.
Argentina will now face England in a highly anticipated semi-final, reviving one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, while the other last-four fixture will see France take on Spain.
