Argentina proved once again why they are defending champions. The South American giants beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a gripping quarter-final at Arrowhead Stadium on Saturday. Therefore, Argentina World Cup semi-finals dreams remain on track after their third consecutive knockout victory.
🇦🇷 Argentina have qualified for the Semi-finals!#FIFAWorldCup
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 12, 2026
Lionel Scaloni’s side showed the resilience that has defined their tournament run. They broke Swiss resistance through sheer determination and quality. Meanwhile, England already knew they would face Argentina in the semi-finals after beating Norway 2-1 earlier that day.
Argentina made a statement from the opening whistle. Alexis Mac Allister powered a header into the net in the 10th minute. Lionel Messi delivered a perfectly weighted corner that Mac Allister finished with authority. As a result, the defending champions seized control before Switzerland could settle into the match.
The Swiss responded with intensity after halftime. Dan Ndoye equalized in the 67th minute, firing calmly to bring his side back into the contest. Suddenly, Switzerland looked capable of pulling off a stunning upset. However, fortune shifted moments later.
Breel Embolo received a red card just five minutes after Ndoye’s goal. A VAR review deemed his challenge worthy of dismissal. Consequently, Switzerland faced the remainder of the match with 10 men. This numerical advantage should have ended the contest quickly.
Yet Argentina could not find a winner in normal time. Switzerland’s reduced squad somehow held firm. Therefore, the quarter-final went into extra time despite Argentina’s dominance.
The defending champions eventually made their superiority count in the added period. Julian Alvarez restored Argentina’s lead. Then Lautaro Martinez added a late goal to seal the 3-1 victory. As a result, Argentina booked their Argentina World Cup semi-finals berth and moved one step closer to back-to-back titles.
The stage is now set for Wednesday’s semi-final in Atlanta. Argentina faces England in a clash between two of football’s heavyweight nations. One team seeks consecutive world titles. The other chases an elusive crown that has escaped for 60 years. Meanwhile, the winner advances to the final in what promises to be the tournament’s most compelling match.
Scaloni has guided his squad through another grind-it-out knockout performance. His players have answered every challenge the tournament has thrown at them. Finally, Argentina dominance awaits, with everything on the line against a hungry England side.
