Argentina beat Switzerland to set up World Cup 2026 semifinal with England

Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to avoid another scare, advance to World Cup semifinal.

Argentina Edge Switzerland in Extra Time to Set Up England Semi-Final Clash

Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a dramatic 2-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, setting up a blockbuster showdown with England.

The reigning champions took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, who converted Lionel Messi's corner after just 10 minutes. Switzerland, however, grew into the game and deservedly equalised in the second half as Dan Ndoye finished a slick move past Emiliano Martinez.

The match turned on a controversial VAR decision when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after initially winning a foul. With Switzerland reduced to 10 men, Argentina took control but had to wait until extra time for the breakthrough.

Julian Alvarez produced a stunning 25-yard strike to restore Argentina's lead before Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory on the counter as Switzerland chased another equaliser.

Argentina now advance to the World Cup semi-finals, where they will face England in one of the tournament's most anticipated clashes.

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland final score, facts, stats, records

All four 2026 World Cup semi-finalists are former champions for only the third time in tournament history (after 1970 and 1990).

Argentina have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in the last four editions (2014, 2022, 2026).

Argentina won their record 11th World Cup extra-time tie (including penalty shootouts) from 13 such matches.

Switzerland remain winless in World Cup quarter-finals, losing all four appearances.

Julián Alvarez's 112th-minute strike was Switzerland's second-latest World Cup goal conceded.

Lionel Messi recorded 10 goal contributions in a World Cup for the second time, matching a feat only also achieved by Kylian Mbappé.

Messi became the World Cup's all-time assist leader since 1966 with 10 assists.

Lionel Scaloni remains unbeaten against UEFA nations as Argentina manager (W7 D3).

Four of Julián Alvarez's five World Cup goals have come in knockout matches.

Dan Ndoye became Switzerland's fourth player to score multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup.

Breel Embolo became the first player since 2006 to be sent off for a second yellow card for simulation at a World Cup.

Argentina vs Switzerland Head-to-Head Record

Argentina have historically enjoyed the upper hand in this fixture.

Previous FIFA World Cup Meetings

• 1966 FIFA World Cup Group Stage: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland
• 2014 FIFA World Cup Round of 16: Argentina 1-0 Switzerland (after extra time)

Overall, Argentina remain unbeaten against Switzerland in FIFA World Cup history, winning both previous World Cup encounters.

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