Argentina are through to the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after surviving a stern test from Switzerland and eventually sealing a 3-1 extra-time win in Kansas City. For readers following breaking news ireland and major international sport, this was a contest packed with drama, controversy and late quality as the holders had to work far harder than the final score suggests.
Switzerland began with confidence and composure, controlling possession in the opening stages and asking early questions of the Argentinian back line. Yet despite that bright start, it was Argentina who struck first. In the 10th minute, Alexis Mac Allister rose to head home from a Lionel Messi corner, giving the defending champions their quickest goal of the tournament so far.
Argentina survive a serious Swiss challenge
The early goal did little to unsettle Switzerland. They continued to push forward with energy and discipline, but lacked the final pass to truly expose Argentina. Their best chance of the first half arrived late on when Remo Freuler had a free-kick opportunity from the left side of the area, only to send his effort over.
After the break, Switzerland increased the pressure and finally forced Emiliano Martinez into meaningful action. The Argentina goalkeeper had to dive smartly to keep out a Breel Embolo header before also denying Dan Ndoye and then reacting well again when Granit Xhaka tried his luck from distance.
That spell of pressure eventually paid off in the 67th minute. Ndoye combined neatly with Ricardo Rodriguez, created just enough room and finished into the far corner to level the match at 1-1.
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Red-card drama turns the tie
The game changed dramatically soon after Switzerland equalised. A challenge involving Leandro Paredes and Embolo was initially followed by a yellow card for the Argentine midfielder. But after a VAR review, the decision was overturned and Embolo was instead booked for simulation. Because it was his second yellow, Switzerland were suddenly reduced to 10 men.
The decision left the Swiss visibly frustrated, and from that point Argentina began to spend far more time in attacking positions. Messi, who had been contained for much of normal time, started to find pockets of space and nearly produced the winner with a curling effort that drifted just wide of the right post.
Even with a man disadvantage, Switzerland defended bravely and looked prepared to take their chances in a penalty shootout. They sat deep at the beginning of extra time and tried to absorb wave after wave of pressure.
How Argentina finally broke through
Argentina kept probing, with Messi seeing a free-kick blocked by the wall, but the breakthrough finally came in the 112th minute. Julian Alvarez produced the decisive moment, striking from outside the box with superb technique to send the ball dipping in beneath the crossbar.
Switzerland had little left after that. As they pushed forward in desperation, Lautaro Martinez finished a breakaway move in added time to put the result beyond doubt and complete a 3-1 victory.
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What the result means ahead of England
Argentina now move on to a heavyweight semi-final against England, but this performance showed there is still room for improvement. Switzerland caused real problems with their pressing, movement and persistence, and for long periods they looked capable of producing a major upset.
After the match, coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his side were fortunate that the game swung their way after the sending-off. He also stressed that reaching another semi-final is a significant achievement, even if the display was not perfect.
Key talking points from the match included:
- Argentina scored early but struggled to control the game for long spells
- Switzerland created momentum in the second half and deserved their equaliser
- The VAR decision involving Embolo proved pivotal
- Alvarez delivered the match-winning moment in extra time
- Lautaro Martinez added late insurance on the counterattack
FAQ
Who scored for Argentina against Switzerland?
Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored for Argentina.
Who scored Switzerland’s goal?
Dan Ndoye equalised in the second half with a composed finish.
Why did Switzerland go down to 10 men?
Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card after VAR overturned the original on-field decision and ruled he had dived.
Who will Argentina play next?
Argentina will face England in the World Cup 2026 semi-final.
For audiences tracking breaking news ireland, major tournament developments like this underline how quickly a knockout tie can turn. Argentina are still alive, England await, and this gripping quarter-final now stands among the standout moments in the wider conversation around ireland headlines, irish news today and global sport followed by Irish readers.
