Argentina edge past Switzerland 3-1 to reach World Cup semi-finals

Argentina did it again. After edging past Cape Verde and Egypt in the Round of 16 and quarterfinals, the Albiceleste overcame Switzerland 3-1 in Kansas on July 12 to book their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals. The match was a rollercoaster — drama, VAR twists, and a stunning strike from Julián Álvarez — but the result was clear: another step closer to glory.

Lionel Messi set up the opener. A 9th-minute corner from Messi found Alexis Mac Allister, who powered a header past Yann Sommer. That early lead vanished in the 67th minute when Ndoye equalized for Switzerland after a contentious VAR review saw Breel Embolo sent off for simulation. But the Swiss advantage lasted just five minutes. A mistaken yellow card against Enzo Paredes led to a VAR review that overturned the call and upgraded Embolo’s foul to a second yellow — leaving Switzerland with ten men.

With the numerical edge, Argentina pushed forward. Scaloni introduced Lautaro Martínez and Nicolás González, but the game stretched into extra time. There, Lautaro coolly finished in stoppage time to make it 3-1 and send Argentina through to the semifinals. The final Swiss surge came too late.

Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez steal the show

Julián Álvarez’s 89th-minute strike was a moment of magic. Receiving a measured pass from Messi, he skipped past Akanji and rifled a right-footer past Sommer. A goal for the ages in a World Cup quarterfinal. Lautaro then sealed the win in the 118th minute with a curling left-footer, ending any hope of a shootout.

Messi, though he didn’t score, remained the heartbeat. His assists and relentless pressing kept Argentina alive under pressure. The captain continues to lead by example in a tournament where his influence remains undiminished.

Next up: England in the semi-final showdown

Argentina now turns its attention to England in the semifinals on July 15 at 21:00 CET. Their last result? A hard-fought 3-1 win over Switzerland on July 12. With five straight wins in this World Cup, the Albiceleste arrive in high spirits and with a clear mission: one more step toward the final.

Scaloni’s side has now beaten Cape Verde, Egypt, and Switzerland on the road to the semifinals. The challenge against England promises fireworks, but Argentina has shown it knows how to grind out results when it matters most.