Argentina booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a dramatic quarter-final that was ultimately decided by Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday in one of international football’s most anticipated fixtures.
The Albiceleste made the brighter start and took the lead after just ten minutes. Lionel Messi delivered an inviting corner that found Alexis Mac Allister, who powered a header beyond the Swiss goalkeeper to give Argentina an early advantage.
Despite falling behind, Switzerland gradually settled into the contest and frustrated the South Americans with a disciplined defensive display. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye finished off a well-worked move inside the penalty area, firing into the bottom corner beyond Emiliano Martínez to bring the Swiss level.
The turning point arrived just five minutes later. Swiss striker Breel Embolo was initially involved in an incident with Leandro Paredes inside the Argentine penalty area. Portuguese referee João Pinheiro was instructed to review the challenge by VAR before overturning his original decision. Rather than awarding a foul, the referee ruled that Embolo had simulated the contact, rescinded Paredes’ yellow card and instead showed Embolo a second yellow card, reducing Switzerland to ten men for the remainder of the match.
Even with the numerical advantage, Argentina found it difficult to break down a resilient Swiss defence during normal time, forcing the contest into extra time.
The breakthrough finally came in the 112th minute through Manchester City forward Julián Álvarez. Collecting possession outside the penalty area, the striker unleashed a superb strike that found the back of the net to restore Argentina’s lead.
Switzerland attempted one final push despite being a man down, but Lautaro Martínez put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time of extra time. The Inter forward, who had been introduced from the bench late in the second half, reacted quickest inside the penalty area to tap home Argentina’s third goal and secure passage to the last four.
Although Messi provided the assist for Mac Allister’s opener, it was his teammates who stole the headlines, with Mac Allister, Álvarez and Lautaro delivering when it mattered most to keep Argentina’s World Cup dream alive.
The victory completes the semi-final line-up, with Argentina now preparing for a heavyweight showdown against England, while Spain will face France in the other semi-final.
