Kansas City: Argentina advances to World Cup semi-finals after extra-time victory over Switzerland

By Noah Lavoie — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina secures semi-final berth

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time during their World Cup 2026 quarter-final match in Kansas City, setting up a semi-final clash with England. The match saw goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez for Argentina, while Dan Ndoye scored for Switzerland.

The game began with Switzerland making a positive start, but Argentina took the lead within the first 10 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister, left unmarked at a corner, headed in a goal after receiving a pass from Lionel Messi. Messi, despite having his World Cup scoring streak ended in this match, contributed significantly with the assist.

Switzerland had promising opportunities to equalize in the first half. Breel Embolo had a chance but was stopped by a combination of Lisandro Martinez and Emi Martinez. Embolo had another significant opportunity shortly after the restart, but Lisandro Martinez made a crucial block to deny him.

Swiss fight back before red card incident

The Swiss 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 Rodriguez and scored from a tight angle, levelling the game.

However, Switzerland’s celebration was short-lived. Just five minutes after their equalizer, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Breel Embolo. Following a VAR review under new mistaken identity rules, referee Joao Pinheiro showed Embolo a second yellow card for simulation, resulting in his dismissal from the game.

With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Messi and Mac Allister both had chances to secure a win for Argentina before the end of regulation time, but they were unable to prevent the match from going into extra time.

Extra-time drama and semi-final anticipation

Despite being a man down, Switzerland managed to hold the reigning world champions at bay for the first 15 minutes of extra time. However, Julian Alvarez broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from 25 yards, finding the top right corner of the net and restoring Argentina’s lead.

Lautaro Martinez then added a third goal in the dying moments of extra time, effectively sealing Argentina’s victory. This win means Argentina will face England in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday at 8 pm UK time. The winner of that match will advance to the final to play against either France or Spain.

This will be the first competitive encounter between Argentina and England in 24 years. Argentina has now been taken to extra time twice in their last three matches, including a 93rd-minute winner against Egypt in the last-16. England also played an additional 30 minutes against Norway, suggesting both teams will enter the semi-final with similar levels of recent match exertion.

Lionel Messi, who had scored in his last nine World Cup matches and his last six in the knockout round, provided a crucial assist for the opening goal. His performance, despite not scoring, was instrumental in Argentina’s progression. Swiss coach Murat Yakin had previously addressed questions about stopping Messi, acknowledging the challenge he presented.

Messi’s journey in the World Cup has included a hat trick against Algeria earlier in the tournament and eight goals leading up to the quarter-final. Despite missing penalty kicks against both Austria and Egypt, his contributions, including an assist for Cristian Romero’s header and a goal against Egypt, have been vital for Argentina. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s enduring performance, noting his continued impact at 39 years of age.

The upcoming semi-final against England promises to be a significant match, with both teams vying for a spot in the World Cup final.

Source: skysports.com