Kansas City: Argentina advance to World Cup semi-finals after extra-time win against Switzerland

By Sanjay Menon — 12 July 2026 — 3 min read

Argentina secure semi-final spot

Argentina have secured their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The defending champions will now face England in a highly anticipated clash. The match, held at Kansas City Stadium on Saturday, saw Argentina overcome a resilient Switzerland side, which played with ten men for a significant portion of the game.

The South American team initially took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed in a cross from Lionel Messi. This early goal provided Argentina with a platform, and they appeared to control the proceedings for much of the first half. However, Switzerland, despite the early setback, showed determination and pressed their opponents, creating some opportunities.

The first half saw Argentina maintain their 1-0 lead, with Switzerland struggling to convert their possession into clear chances. Emiliano Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper, made a diving save in the 20th minute, a rare moment of threat from the Swiss side. As the half progressed, Switzerland continued to probe, with players like Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye attempting to create openings, but Argentina’s defence largely held firm.

Dramatic second half and extra time

The second half brought a shift in momentum. Switzerland intensified their efforts and found an equaliser in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye slotted the ball home from close range. This goal came after a period where Switzerland had been making ground down the wings and sensing a weakness in Argentina’s defence. Ndoye, who was a significant threat throughout the match, remained composed to score after an exchange with Ricardo Rodriguez.

A controversial moment followed in the 72nd minute when Switzerland’s Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation, leading to his dismissal. The decision came after a VAR review, which intervened to clarify an earlier booking given to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes. Referee Joao Pinheiro changed his initial decision, resulting in Embolo’s red card and leaving Switzerland with ten men for the remainder of the match.

Despite being a man down, Switzerland continued to defend resolutely, pushing the game into extra time with the score tied at 1-1. Argentina pressed for a winner in normal time, with Lionel Messi and Lisandro Martinez both coming close, but the Swiss defence, led by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, held firm.

In extra time, Argentina finally broke the deadlock. Julián Álvarez scored in the 112th minute with a powerful shot from 25 yards that found the top right corner of the goal, putting Argentina up 2-1. As Switzerland pushed forward in the final minutes, leaving gaps in their defence, Lautaro Martinez capitalised on a counterattack initiated by Thiago Almada, scoring a third goal deep into stoppage time in extra time, sealing the 3-1 victory for Argentina.

Looking ahead to the semi-finals

This victory marks Argentina’s third consecutive dramatic knockout match, as they also needed extra time to overcome Cape Verde in the round of 32. The taxing nature of the competition has been evident for the defending champions.

Argentina will now prepare to face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Atlanta. England also required extra time to defeat Norway on Saturday. In the other semi-final, Spain will play France on Tuesday. France was the team Argentina defeated in the final of Qatar 2022.

Only two nations, Italy and Brazil, have previously successfully defended a World Cup title. The upcoming semi-final against England in Atlanta will be a significant test for Argentina as they continue their campaign.

Source: aljazeera.com