KANSAS CITY: Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in an extra-time thriller at Kansas City Stadium.
Argentina took an early lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a pinpoint cross by Lionel Messi. Despite the early advantage, Switzerland responded strongly and equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished from close range.
The turning point came five minutes later when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. Following a VAR review, referee João Pinheiro overturned an initial booking issued to Argentina’s Leandro Paredes and showed Embolo a red card instead.
Argentina came close to securing victory in normal time, with Lisandro Martínez’s spectacular bicycle kick denied by the goalkeeper, while Messi also saw a chipped effort brilliantly saved.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute of extra time when Julián Álvarez unleashed a powerful long-range strike into the top corner to restore Argentina’s lead.
With Switzerland pushing forward in search of an equaliser, Argentina capitalised on the spaces left behind. Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory deep into stoppage time, finishing off a swift counterattack led by Thiago Almada.
Argentina will now face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday in Atlanta, while Spain will take on France in the other last-four clash.
The defending champions are now just two victories away from retaining the FIFA World Cup title, a feat previously achieved only by Italy and Brazil.
