Argentina reach World Cup 2026 semi-finals after extra-time take down 10-man Switzerland..
Argentina Survive Switzerland Scare to Set Up England Semi-Final Showdown
Argentina booked their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals after overcoming a spirited Switzerland 2-1 in extra time, setting up a mouthwatering clash with England.
The reigning world champions made the perfect start as Alexis Mac Allister glanced home Lionel Messi's corner after just 10 minutes. However, Switzerland refused to back down and gradually took control, earning a deserved equaliser through Dan Ndoye, who finished a slick passing move in the 67th minute.
The contest took a dramatic turn when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off after VAR overturned an earlier foul decision, ruling he had simulated contact. Already on a yellow card, Embolo received a second booking, leaving Switzerland to battle the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Argentina piled on the pressure but needed a moment of magic to break the deadlock. Julian Alvarez curled a stunning long-range strike into the top corner early in extra time before Lautaro Martinez wrapped up the victory on the counter-attack as Switzerland pushed desperately for another equaliser.
The hard-fought win keeps Argentina's dream of retaining the World Cup alive and sets up a blockbuster semi-final against England, with a place in the final now on the line.
Argentina booked their place in the last eight after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, while Switzerland edged Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless draw.
More: Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction: Betting Odds, Expert Picks and Score Prediction.
Argentina 3-1 Switzerland quarterfinal score, stats, facts, records
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the World Cup semifinals after grinding out a dramatic 3-1 victory over 10-man Switzerland in extra time. A late surge in the second period of extra time finally broke a resilient Swiss defense to set up a blockbuster semifinal clash against England.
Records & Statistical Milestones
All four 2026 World Cup semi-finalists are former champions for only the third time in tournament history (after 1970 and 1990).
Argentina have reached the World Cup semi-finals for the third time in the last four editions (2014, 2022, 2026).
Argentina won their record 11th World Cup extra-time tie (including penalty shootouts) from 13 such matches.
Switzerland remain winless in World Cup quarter-finals, losing all four appearances.
Julián Alvarez's 112th-minute strike was Switzerland's second-latest World Cup goal conceded.
Lionel Messi recorded 10 goal contributions in a World Cup for the second time, matching a feat only also achieved by Kylian Mbappé.
Messi became the World Cup's all-time assist leader since 1966 with 10 assists.
Lionel Scaloni remains unbeaten against UEFA nations as Argentina manager (W7 D3).
Four of Julián Alvarez's five World Cup goals have come in knockout matches.
Dan Ndoye became Switzerland's fourth player to score multiple goals at the 2026 World Cup.
Breel Embolo became the first player since 2006 to be sent off for a second yellow card for simulation at a World Cup.....
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