Argentina beat Switzerland in extra time to reach England semifinal
Julian Alvarez scored in the 112th minute as Argentina defeated 10-man Switzerland 3-1 and moved within two wins of defending their World Cup title.
By Sofia Marchetti · World Affairs Correspondent
3 min read
Argentina reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals with a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, Al Jazeera reported, setting up a last-four meeting with England. The defending champions needed late goals against a Switzerland side reduced to 10 men after Breel Embolo’s second yellow card.
Al Jazeera reported that Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina ahead in the 10th minute at Kansas City Stadium, heading in a cross from Lionel Messi. Switzerland drew level in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye finished from close range.
The match turned in the 72nd minute after a VAR review involving Embolo and Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes, according to Al Jazeera. Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro had initially booked Paredes, but VAR asked him to check whether the card involved mistaken identity under a new rule being used at this tournament.
After reviewing the incident, Pinheiro changed the decision and showed Embolo a second yellow for simulation, Al Jazeera reported. Embolo had appeared to go down trying to win a free kick, and Switzerland played the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Argentina pushed for a winner before extra time. Al Jazeera reported that Lisandro Martinez nearly scored with a late scissor-kick from a loose ball in the area, but the effort lacked enough power to beat the goalkeeper.
Messi also had a one-on-one chance saved after trying to chip the keeper, according to Al Jazeera. The assistant referee raised the flag for offside, though Al Jazeera reported that replays suggested a goal might have been allowed; it would have been Messi’s ninth goal in six appearances at the tournament.
Julian Alvarez finally broke Switzerland’s resistance in the 112th minute. Al Jazeera reported that Alvarez struck from 25 yards, sending the ball into the top-right corner to give Argentina a 2-1 lead.
Switzerland committed players forward late in extra time, and Argentina punished the gaps. According to Al Jazeera, Thiago Almada led a counterattack and saw his shot deflect into Lautaro Martinez’s path, allowing Martinez to score Argentina’s third deep into stoppage time.
Argentina will face England on Wednesday in Atlanta, Al Jazeera reported. The other semifinal is scheduled for Tuesday, when Spain play France, the team Argentina beat in the Qatar 2022 final.
Al Jazeera noted that only Italy and Brazil have previously retained the World Cup. Argentina have already had a demanding knockout run, including an extra-time match against Cape Verde in the round of 32, while England also needed extra time to beat Norway on Saturday.
Messi, 39, remains central to Argentina’s title defense, according to Al Jazeera’s account of the match. Argentina now stand two wins from becoming the third nation to defend a World Cup crown.
This story draws on original reporting from Al Jazeera.