Kansas City, July 12: Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals after defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a thrilling quarterfinal on Saturday.
A spectacular long-range strike from Julian Alvarez proved decisive as Argentina advanced to face England in the last four.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a pinpoint cross from Lionel Messi, giving the South Americans an ideal start.
However, Switzerland gradually settled into the contest and created several opportunities as Argentina struggled to extend their advantage.
The Swiss found a deserved equaliser in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished from close range after a well-worked attacking move.
The turning point came five minutes later when striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation.
Following a VAR review under the tournament’s new mistaken-identity protocol, referee Joao Pinheiro upheld the decision, sending Embolo off and reducing Switzerland to ten men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina failed to find a winner in regulation time and the match entered extra time.
In the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez produced a stunning strike from nearly 25 yards, curling the ball into the top corner to restore Argentina’s lead.
As Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, gaps opened in defence. Deep into stoppage time of extra time, Lautaro Martinez finished off a swift counterattack initiated by Thiago Almada to seal a 3-1 victory.
Argentina will now meet England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal on Wednesday in Atlanta.
The other semifinal will see Spain take on France, the team Argentina defeated in the 2022 World Cup final.
Argentina are now aiming to become only the third nation after Italy and Brazil to successfully defend a FIFA World Cup title.
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