Read 3 minutesUpdated: 12 July 2026 09:19 AM IST
Defending champions Argentina advanced to their second consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final with a 3-1 win over Switzerland at a packed Kansas City Stadium on Saturday thanks to extra-time strikes from Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez.
After overcoming the odds to pull off a stunning 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the previous round, Argentina didn’t wait for a miracle this time around. The defensive-minded Swiss had conceded just three goals in five games and dominated possession in the opening minutes at the Arrowhead Stadium.
Argentina vs Switzerland: As it happened
The opening strike came within 10 minutes, with their talisman Lionel Messi once again the producer. Coming in from the left, Alexis McAllister headed home Messi’s corner in the 10th minute for his first goal and Argentina’s fastest goal in the ongoing tournament.
In his 32nd World Cup appearance, Messi broke the all-time record for most assists at the tournament, surpassing Germany’s Fritz Walter (nine assists), his 10th and second at the edition.
It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in any tournament.
The goal put some early pressure on La Albiceleste, who struggled to beat Cape Verde in extra time to open the knockout stages, after needing three goals in 11 minutes to beat Egypt 2-0 earlier this week.
Comebacks and red card drama
The Swiss number 14 came back with renewed vigor in the second half and an opening was created when winger Dan Ndoy converted through the legs of goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez in the 67th in his beautiful one-touch build-up with Ricardo Rodriguez. However, there was a shock moments later when mid-fielder Breel Embolo was reduced to tears after receiving a second yellow card for diving. Aided by a VAR decision, referee Joao Pinheiro overturned the yellow card given to Leandro Paredes, with replays showing no contact between him and Embolo on the ground at one point.
Alvarez amazing
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The 10-man Swiss held on for the next 30 minutes, pushing into extra time, before the world champion switched into extra gear through Alvarez in the 112th minute. The 26-year-old picked up a pass on the left edge of the box and used the empty space to curl in a shot to the top right, before another Argentine rebound from the edge.
Switzerland enjoyed a comeback when Martinez came off the bench and slotted a chance straight from the box.
Three-time champions Argentina are trying to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend their World Cup title. Awaiting them is an in-form English unit in the semi-finals after a 2-1 win over Norway earlier in the day. Real Madrid striker Jude Bellingham’s second helped England reach the last four for the first time since 2018.
That semifinal will be played Wednesday in Atlanta.