Argentina 3-1 Switzerland: Mac Allister 10, Alvarez 112, L. Martinez 120+1; Ndoye 67
Here was another draining test for Argentina, and here were the world champions passing it – even if it took, yet again, two hours. Julian Alvarez’s excellent extra-time strike finally broke Switzerland’s resistance and secured a victory that set up a semi-final against England.
For long periods it appeared Lionel Scaloni’s side would be dragged into a penalty shootout after surrendering an early lead and struggling to rediscover their rhythm against a disciplined Swiss team.
Dan Ndoye’s second-half equaliser rewarded Switzerland for improved attacking play, before Breel Embolo’s dismissal hit like a hammer. Even then, Argentina needed inspiration, and Alvarez supplied it with eight minutes of extra time remaining, curling a shot far beyond the reach of Gregor Kobel and into the top right corner. Lautaro Martinez added a third in the closing stages to rubberstamp the victory and Argentina could heave a sigh of relief.
Switzerland had entered the quarter-final as one of the strongest defences but they were behind inside the opening 10 minutes, by the most simplistic of manners. Messi’s in-swinging corner found Alexis Mac Allister arriving between defenders and the midfielder directing a header past Kobel.
It was natural to think the goal would open up the game, but Argentina didn’t so much state an intent to blow away the opponent as they were determined to score once and then defend their narrow advantage. Meanwhile, a dismal Switzerland struggled to create any genuine threats despite an encouraging start that had seen Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka test Argentina’s shape.
The closest Switzerland came before the break was when Lisandro Martinez misjudged a through ball and Embolo could burst clear, but Emiliano Martinez was alert and could race out from his line to smother the chance.
Otra batalla ganada con el corazón en la mano ⚔️
El sueño sigue más vivo que nunca y este equipo no para de dejar el alma. ¡VAMOS ARGENTINA! 🩵🤍 pic.twitter.com/QnhKEjWuCk
— 🇦🇷 Selección Argentina ⭐⭐⭐ (@Argentina) July 12, 2026
Argentina briefly raised the tempo in the second half and Messi released Nahuel Molina on the right, but the full-back pulled his finish wide. Alvarez soon saw an effort deflected behind before the Swiss found the right gear and became more adventurous.
Martinez was forced into successive saves, first denying Ndoye and then pushing away a strike from Xhaka. Argentina were on wafer-thin ice and the pressure told in the 67th minute when Ricardo Rodriguez combined neatly with Ndoye, who fired past Martinez to pull Switzerland level.
But then a moment of insanity from Embolo ripped the gameplan to shreds. Already on a yellow,
The Swiss man went to ground under a challenge from Leandro Paredes and initially the referee gave a free-kick and gave Paredes a yellow card. But VAR intervened and it turned out that Embolo had made the most incredible of dives ever seen. There was simply no inch of contact on him and, already on a yellow card, when the tables were turned it ended in an early shower for him.
Switzerland had 10 men now and the obligation was to defend. But Argentina could smell blood and they pressed relentlessly. Messi was denied by the offside flag after lifting the ball over Kobel and Mac Allister soon headed over from another inviting delivery. Kobel was then needed in action with an excellent stop to keep out Lisandro Martinez before normal time came to an end.
Argentina kept pressing in extra time, Kobel twice repelling Messi as it seemed like Switzerland could hold out excellent. They did have that excellent defensive record after all. But then as penalties loomed and hope appeared on the Swiss horizon, Alvarez intervened.
