Argentina Outlast Switzerland in Extra Time to Book World Cup Semi-Final Spot

Defending champions Argentina produced a strong extra-time performance to defeat Switzerland 3-1 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after an entertaining quarter-final encounter.

Argentina made a bright start and took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a well-delivered cross by captain Lionel Messi. The South Americans controlled much of the first half but were unable to extend their advantage before the interval.

Switzerland responded with determination after the restart and found an equaliser in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, setting up a tense finish. The contest became even more dramatic when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, forcing Switzerland to play the closing stages with 10 men.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, the Swiss frustrated Argentina throughout normal time, sending the match into extra time. The breakthrough eventually arrived in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez unleashed a superb long-range strike to restore Argentina’s lead.

With Switzerland pushing forward in search of another equaliser, Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory deep into extra-time stoppage time, finishing off a swift counterattack to make it 3-1 and confirm Argentina’s passage to the last four.

The victory extends Argentina’s impressive World Cup run and keeps alive their hopes of defending the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Lionel Messi, although not among the scorers, played a key creative role by providing the assist for the opening goal and leading his side throughout the contest.

Argentina will now face England in a highly anticipated semi-final after the Three Lions edged Norway 2-1 in their own quarter-final. The other semi-final will see France take on Spain, setting the stage for two blockbuster clashes as the tournament approaches its conclusion.