World Cup 2026: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET): Julian Alvarez scores stunner to set up blockbuster semi-final vs England
Argentina Secures Semifinal Spot
Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time during a World Cup 2026 quarter-final match in Kansas City, securing their place in the semifinals. The victory sets up a highly anticipated clash with England. Julián Álvarez scored a crucial goal in extra time, with Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martínez also contributing to Argentina’s win. This marks the first time the top four teams in the FIFA rankings—Argentina, England, France, and Spain—have all reached this stage of the tournament.
The match saw a positive start from Switzerland, but Argentina took the lead within the first 10 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister, left unmarked at a corner, headed in a goal after being picked out by Lionel Messi. Despite this early setback, Switzerland created opportunities, with Breel Embolo having a promising chance in the first half, which was thwarted by a combination of Lisandro Martínez and Emi Martínez. Embolo had another significant chance after the restart, but Lisandro Martínez made a crucial block.
Switzerland continued to press, with Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka forcing saves from the Argentine goalkeeper. Their sustained pressure eventually paid off when Dan Ndoye linked up with Ricardo Rodríguez and scored from a tight angle, levelling the game in the 67th minute. The Swiss had only conceded three goals in five games leading up to this match and had not beaten Argentina in eight previous meetings, including three in the World Cup.
Controversial Red Card and Extra Time Drama
The momentum shifted dramatically shortly after Switzerland’s equalizer. Five minutes later, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Breel Embolo. However, under new mistaken identity rules, the VAR recommended a review. Referee Joao Pinheiro subsequently showed Embolo a second yellow card for simulation, leading to his dismissal. This decision left Switzerland to play with 10 men, a moment that significantly impacted the game’s trajectory. Swiss defender Nico Elvedi expressed confusion regarding the VAR’s decision.
Despite being a man down, Switzerland managed to hold the reigning world champions at bay for the initial 15 minutes of extra time. However, Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from 25 yards, finding the top right corner of the net in the 112th minute. This goal restored Argentina’s lead and provided a significant boost to their campaign. Lautaro Martínez then added another goal in the dying moments of extra time, after Thiago Almada‘s initial shot was saved, sealing the 3-1 victory for Argentina.
Argentina’s journey to the semifinals has seen them pushed to extra time twice in three games. They previously needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde and rallied from a 2-0 deficit against Egypt in the round of 16. This resilience has been a hallmark of Lionel Scaloni‘s squad, who have maintained a 12-match World Cup unbeaten streak. Midfielder Thiago Almada acknowledged the difficulty of the match, stating that the team knew it would be tough but fought until the end.
Looking Ahead to the Semifinals
The victory means Argentina will face England in the semifinals in Atlanta on Wednesday at 8 p.m. UK time. This will be the first competitive meeting between the two nations in 24 years. England secured their semifinal spot by defeating Norway 2-1 earlier in the day. Both teams have experienced extra time in their quarter-final matches, potentially levelling the playing field for their upcoming encounter.
Lionel Messi‘s nine-game World Cup scoring streak concluded in this match, but his pursuit of a second World Cup title continues. The team has made Kansas City their base for the past month, training at the home of MLS club Sporting Kansas City and garnering significant local support. The quarter-final match, the 100th of an expanded World Cup, was played in a picturesque setting at Arrowhead Stadium, which was filled with pro-Argentina fans, including Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
Switzerland, playing in their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, were unable to advance to their first-ever semifinal. They were also without key goal-scorer Johan Manzabi, who was sidelined with a knee injury after missing their round of 16 penalty shootout victory over Colombia. Despite their efforts, the Swiss were ultimately unable to overcome the defending champions. Argentina’s win ensures their quest for back-to-back championships remains alive as they prepare for their semifinal match against England on Wednesday.
Source: skysports.com
