Argentina secured a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium.
Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck in the additional period after Switzerland were reduced to 10 players, sending the South American side into a blockbuster semi-final against England.
The defending champions made an impressive start, taking the lead in the 10th minute.
Lionel Messi swung in a precise corner from the left, allowing Alexis Mac Allister to power home a header and put Argentina in front.
The rest of the opening half featured an intense battle in midfield, with both teams cancelling each other out and creating very few chances. Argentina preserved its one-goal advantage at the break.
Switzerland returned from the interval with renewed energy and pushed Argentina onto the back foot.
Emiliano Martinez produced two crucial saves before Dan Ndoye found the equaliser with a composed finish after an intricate passing move around the penalty area.
The Swiss suffered a major setback in the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo received his second yellow card after VAR confirmed he had simulated a foul, forcing his side to continue with 10 men.
Argentina controlled possession for the remainder of normal time and almost restored their lead, but Gregor Kobel brilliantly denied Lisandro Martinez’s spectacular overhead effort.
The decisive moment arrived in extra time when Julian Alvarez drifted inside from the left and curled an unstoppable strike into the top corner.
Moments later, Lautaro Martinez finished off a swift counter-attack by converting a rebound from close range, wrapping up a 3-1 win and confirming Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
Argentina has now scored in 15 consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, underlining their remarkable consistency on the global stage.
Lionel Scaloni’s side will next face fierce rivals England at Atlanta Stadium on Thursday for a place in the World Cup final.
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