Published July 12, 2026
Defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time thanks to a decisive long-range strike from Julian Alvarez and will now face England in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday when Alexis Mac Allister headed in Lionel Messi’s cross.
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Then, far from the dominant performance that the South American team had hoped for, the European team deservedly equalized in the 67th minute with Dan Ndoye scoring from close range.
Switzerland controversially lost Briel Embolo to a second yellow for simulation in the 72nd minute. However, VAR had to step in and ask the referee to review whether the booking given to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes was a mistake, a new VAR rule for this tournament.
Embolo looked to dive in to win a free-kick, but Portuguese referee João Pinheiro changed his call and Embolo was given his marching orders, much to his dismay.
Argentina came close to winning from normal time and almost got rewarded with what was essentially the last kick of the period when Lisandro Martínez pounced on a loose ball in the box, but his scissor kick didn’t have enough power to beat the keeper.
Messi came close to breaking through one-on-one, but his chip was saved. The assistant referee raised his flag to suggest it would have been offside anyway, but replays showed the goal was likely to have stood and would have been Messi’s ninth in six games in this tournament.
But it was Alvarez who stole the show, with 112 minutes remaining, with a stunning shot from 25 yards into the top right corner of the goal.
The Swiss threw himself forward with seconds remaining, leaving a gaping hole at the back, and Lautaro Martínez took advantage of deep stoppage time to score the third goal from Thiago Almada’s counter-attack. The first shot was gently deflected into the path of a teammate.
Argentina will face England in the semi-finals in Atlanta on Wednesday. Another last-four clash will take place on Tuesday between Spain and France, which Argentina lost in the Qatar 2022 final.
Only two countries have ever defended their World Cup title: Italy and Brazil.
The tough nature of the tournament may also have played a role, as Argentina were forced into overtime by Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
But with England also needing extra time to beat Norway on Saturday, the 39-year-old Messi seems determined to bide his time and there is no denying the possibility of more magical moments.
