Alvarez, Lautaro Fire Argentina Past 10-Man Switzerland in Extra Time, Set Up Blockbuster World Cup Semi-final Against England

Score: Argentina 3 (Alexis Mac Allister 10′, Julian Alvarez 112′, Lautaro Martinez 120+1′) beat Switzerland 1 (Dan Ndoye 67′) after extra time

Kansas City, July 2026 : Defending champions Argentina overcame a spirited challenge from 10-man Switzerland to register a hard-fought 3-1 extra-time victory in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals on Sunday, booking a mouthwatering semi-final clash against England.

With the match seemingly headed towards penalties after Switzerland held firm despite playing with a numerical disadvantage, Julian Alvarez produced a moment of individual brilliance before Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory in stoppage time of extra time. The result extended Argentina’s unbeaten run at the World Cup to 12 matches as Lionel Scaloni’s side continued their pursuit of back-to-back world titles, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.

Argentina made the ideal start at a packed Arrowhead Stadium, where thousands of Albiceleste supporters created a carnival atmosphere. Just ten minutes into the contest, Lionel Messi delivered a pinpoint corner that found Alexis Mac Allister, who rose above Djibril Sow and Breel Embolo to head the ball into the far corner and hand the South Americans an early lead.

The assist further enhanced Messi’s extraordinary World Cup legacy, taking his tally to 10 assists across six World Cup tournaments, while his side continued a remarkable scoring streak that has now reached 15 consecutive World Cup matches. Only Uruguay (16), Hungary (17), Germany (18, achieved twice) and Brazil (18) have enjoyed longer scoring runs in tournament history.

Despite conceding early, Switzerland refused to panic. Murat Yakin’s disciplined side controlled possession for long spells and created the better opportunities before halftime. Their best chance came around the half-hour mark when Breel Embolo broke through on goal, only for Argentine goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez to rush off his line and produce a crucial save.

Argentina, surprisingly subdued after taking the lead, failed to register another shot on target before the break as Switzerland’s organised defence frustrated the defending champions.

The Swiss persistence was finally rewarded in the 67th minute. Veteran full-back Ricardo Rodriguez delivered an intelligent pass into the box, allowing Dan Ndoye to finish confidently past Martinez and level the scores at 1-1, ending Argentina’s hopes of securing victory inside regulation time.

However, Switzerland’s resurgence suffered a major setback just five minutes later. Forward Breel Embolo, who had already been booked in the first half, was shown a second yellow card after attempting to win a penalty through simulation. Following a VAR review, the referee upheld the decision, reducing Switzerland to 10 men for the remainder of the contest.

Even with the numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a decisive breakthrough. Mac Allister squandered a glorious headed opportunity, while Messi curled a trademark effort narrowly wide as Switzerland defended heroically to force the match into extra time.

The European side continued to frustrate the South Americans during the first period of extra time, throwing bodies behind the ball and repelling wave after wave of Argentine attacks.

But with penalties looming, Julian Alvarez delivered the decisive moment in the 112th minute. Receiving possession outside the penalty area, the Manchester City forward curled a magnificent strike into the top corner beyond the reach of goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, sparking wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.

Switzerland, exhausted after playing nearly 50 minutes with 10 men, had little left to offer in response. Argentina completed the victory deep into stoppage time of extra time when Lautaro Martinez calmly finished another flowing attack to make it 3-1, ensuring the scoreline better reflected Argentina’s dominance in the latter stages.

The victory also ensured that the top four teams in the FIFA world rankings advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup, underlining the quality of the competition’s closing stages.

Although Messi’s remarkable nine-match World Cup scoring streak came to an end, the Argentine captain remained hugely influential with his assist for the opening goal. He also remains level with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

Mac Allister’s early strike carried additional significance as it ended Switzerland’s remarkable defensive record of 17 hours and 10 minutes without conceding a goal across World Cup qualifying and the finals.

Argentina also created another piece of history by becoming the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score twice in the same extra-time period in multiple matches during a single tournament, highlighting their ability to finish strongly under pressure.

Attention now turns to a blockbuster semi-final against England in Atlanta on Wednesday. The fixture revives one of international football’s fiercest rivalries, shaped by decades of memorable encounters and political history surrounding the Falkland Islands, known as the Malvinas in Argentina.

The two nations have produced several iconic World Cup battles, most famously Argentina’s 2-1 victory in 1986, featuring Diego Maradona’s infamous “Hand of God” goal and his unforgettable solo effort. Argentina also eliminated England on penalties in the 1998 World Cup, while England claimed a 1-0 victory in 2002, the last World Cup meeting between the sides.

Now, with a place in the World Cup final at stake, another chapter will be written as two football giants prepare for a highly anticipated semi-final showdown.

Match Summary: Argentina 3 (Alexis Mac Allister 10′, Julian Alvarez 112′, Lautaro Martinez 120+1′) beat Switzerland 1 (Dan Ndoye 67′) after extra time.

Key Stats:

• Argentina are unbeaten in their last 12 World Cup matches.
• The defending champions are chasing consecutive World Cup titles for the first time since Brazil in 1962.
• Lionel Messi registered his 10th World Cup assist, the most by any player across six editions.
• Argentina have now scored in 15 consecutive World Cup matches.
• Switzerland’s Breel Embolo was sent off in the 72nd minute after receiving a second yellow card.
• Argentina will face England in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals on Wednesday.

Team Maverick