Argentina Advanced To The Semifinals Of The 2026 World Cup
- 12.07.2026, 8:19
The Swiss national team was defeated.
The Argentine national team, defending its World Cup title, struggled to advance to the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup, defeating Switzerland 3–1 in extra time. Although their opponent played with one fewer player for almost the entire second half, the Argentines were only able to break through in the final moments of extra time. The match, which was the final quarterfinal of the tournament, took place in Kansas City and ended on the morning of Sunday, July 12.
Argentina got off to a strong start. As early as the 10th minute, Lionel Messi took a corner kick, and Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring with a header. For the captain of the Argentine national team, this assist was his second of the tournament, and with eight goals, Messi continues to lead the scoring race.
After the break, the Swiss not only withstood the pressure from the favorites but also managed to equalize. Dan N’Doye capitalized on his chance and found the back of the net past Emiliano Martínez, who had made several saves to keep his team in the game up to that point.
Soon after, the Swiss team was reduced to ten men: Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation and was sent off. However, even down a man, the Swiss defended skillfully, successfully employing a compact defensive strategy, and did not allow the Argentines to snatch a victory either in regulation time or during the nine minutes of stoppage time.
It wasn’t until the 112th minute of extra time that Switzerland’s defense faltered. Julian Álvarez put Argentina ahead with a powerful shot into the top corner, and shortly before the final whistle, Lautaro Martínez sealed his team’s victory, setting the final score at 3–1.
In the semifinals, Argentina will face England, which earlier that day defeated Norway in a hard-fought match. The match will take place on July 15 in Atlanta and will mark the latest chapter in one of the most historic rivalries.