FIFA WC
Argentina edge 10-man Switzerland in extra time to set up FIFA World Cup semi-final against England
Argentina produced a clinical extra-time display to defeat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium, booking a blockbuster semi-final meeting with England.
Goals from Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez secured victory for Lionel Scaloni's side after Switzerland had forced the contest into extra time with an equaliser from Dan Ndoye.
Mac Allister gives Argentina early advantage
Switzerland made a confident start, but Argentina struck first in the 10th minute.
Lionel Messi delivered a precise corner that Alexis Mac Allister headed home despite being surrounded by taller Swiss defenders, handing the South Americans an early lead.
Photo: Facebook/@fifa
Argentina were then forced to rely on goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who produced an important intervention after Breel Embolo broke clear on goal.
Martinez rushed off his line to deny the Swiss forward and preserve Argentina's advantage.
Switzerland fight back before red card changes contest
Argentina nearly doubled their lead shortly after the restart when Messi's incisive pass released Nahuel Molina, but the full-back dragged his effort wide.
Switzerland gradually gained control and deservedly levelled in the 67th minute.
After seeing one effort blocked by Lisandro Martínez and another saved by Emiliano Martínez, Dan Ndoye finally found the net to make it 1-1.
The match swung in Argentina's favour five minutes later when Breel Embolo received his second yellow card for simulation, reducing Switzerland to 10 men.
Messi almost settled the contest in normal time, cutting inside before curling a right-footed effort narrowly wide of the post.
Alvarez, Lautaro seal semi-final spot
Argentina continued to press in extra time.
Photo: Facebook/@fifa
Thiago Almada struck the outside of Gregor Kobel's post before Julian Alvarez produced the decisive moment of the match.
The Manchester City forward curled home a superb effort in the 112th minute to restore Argentina's lead.
Lautaro Martínez then wrapped up the victory in stoppage time, scoring Argentina's third goal to confirm a 3-1 triumph.
Photo: Facebook/@fifa
The result sends Lionel Scaloni's side into the second FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final, where they will meet fierce rivals England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday.
Records and key statistics
Mac Allister's opener ended Switzerland's remarkable run of 17 hours and 10 minutes without conceding a goal in World Cup qualifying or the finals.
Argentina also extended their scoring streak to 15 consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
Only Uruguay (16 matches), Hungary (17), Germany (18 on two separate occasions), and Brazil (18) have recorded longer scoring runs in the tournament's history.
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