Defending champions Argentina survived a heroic resistance from 10-man Switzerland to secure a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory in Kansas City and book their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead before Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the second half. Despite Breel Embolo’s dismissal, the Swiss held firm until extra time, when Julian Alvarez finally broke their resistance before substitute Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory.
The result sets up a blockbuster semi-final between Argentina and England on Wednesday in Atlanta — a heavyweight clash carrying decades of World Cup history and rivalry.
Switzerland began aggressively and nearly opened the scoring in the seventh minute, but Argentina responded immediately.
After Lionel Messi’s first effort went wide, the Argentina captain delivered a corner that Mac Allister headed into the net in the 10th minute to give La Albiceleste a 1-0 lead.
Switzerland refused to collapse and continued to threaten, with Djibril Sow and Embolo both causing problems for the Argentine defence.
Argentina struggled to control the match despite their early advantage, allowing Switzerland to grow in confidence.
Their persistence was rewarded in the 67th minute. After combining with Ricardo Rodriguez, Ndoye burst down the left before producing an excellent right-footed finish into the far corner to level the score at 1-1.
But just five minutes later, Switzerland suffered a huge setback when Breel Embolo received his second yellow card following a dive and was sent off.
Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland were forced into survival mode. Captain Granit Xhaka and his teammates defended with enormous discipline and determination, surviving late chances from Nico Gonzalez and Lautaro Martinez to force the match into extra time.
Even against the reigning world champions and with a numerical disadvantage, Switzerland continued to resist deep into the additional 30 minutes.
Their remarkable defensive stand finally ended in the 112th minute. Julian Alvarez found the decisive breakthrough with eight minutes remaining in extra time, firing into the left corner past Gregor Kobel to restore Argentina’s lead.
With Switzerland exhausted after playing more than 40 minutes with 10 men, Lautaro Martinez delivered the final blow in the 120th minute to complete a 3-1 victory.
Switzerland’s historic World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak, but Murat Yakin’s side departed after a courageous performance against the defending champions.
Argentina now advance to face England in Atlanta for a place in the 2026 World Cup Final.
Credit Photo : AFA
