Argentina Edge Switzerland to Set Up World Cup Semi-Final Clash With England

Julian Alvarez’s extra-time stunner sends reigning champions into the last four

Argentina will face England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a dramatic and controversial quarter-final in Kansas City.

The reigning world champions were pushed to their limits by a spirited Swiss side before Julian Alvarez produced a moment of magic in extra time to keep Argentina’s dream of back-to-back World Cup titles alive.

Argentina strike early

Argentina made the perfect start to the match when Alexis Mac Allister gave his side the lead after just 10 minutes.

Lionel Messi’s corner was cleverly flicked on by Mac Allister at the near post, putting the South Americans in control and raising expectations of a comfortable evening.

However, Switzerland responded impressively and gradually took charge of the game, creating several chances and troubling the Argentine defence.

Switzerland fight back

The Swiss deservedly found an equaliser in the 67th minute through Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye.

After combining brilliantly with Ricardo Rodriguez, Ndoye cut inside and fired his effort through the legs of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to make it 1-1.

Switzerland continued to look dangerous and threatened to cause one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Controversial red card changes the game

The turning point came midway through the second half when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card.

Initially, Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes was booked for a challenge on Embolo. However, following a VAR review, officials ruled that Embolo had simulated contact.

The booking for Paredes was overturned and Embolo was shown a second yellow card, reducing Switzerland to 10 men and sparking anger among the Swiss players and supporters.

Alvarez delivers moment of brilliance

With a numerical advantage, Argentina dominated extra time and finally found the breakthrough.

Julian Alvarez curled a magnificent 25-yard strike beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to restore Argentina’s lead.

As Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, they were caught on the counterattack and Lautaro Martinez sealed victory with a late goal.

Messi breaks another record

Although Lionel Messi failed to score for the first time in this year’s World Cup, he still created history by becoming the first player ever to register 10 assists in World Cup matches.

Argentina also set a new World Cup record by scoring multiple goals in 12 consecutive matches, surpassing Uruguay’s previous mark.

England await in blockbuster semi-final

Argentina will now take on England in a highly anticipated semi-final showdown in Atlanta on Wednesday, 15 July.

The winner will advance to the World Cup final and face either France or Spain in the tournament’s biggest match.