2026 World Cup: Argentina to face England in the semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time

In the 100th and final quarter-final match of the 2026 World Cup, Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to book their place in the semi-finals. With the regular time ending 1-1, Argentina emerged victorious from a tough challenge, displaying a great struggle on the pitch. Despite playing with ten men for approximately 50 minutes after Breel Embolo received a red card in the 72nd minute, Switzerland could not make a dent in their opponent. This thrilling match, played at Kansas City Stadium, provided unforgettable moments for football fans. Following this victory, Argentina will face England in the final in Atlanta on 15 July.

The first half of the match passed with intense battles in midfield from both teams. Argentina managed to take a 1-0 lead in the 10th minute with Alexis Mac Allister, who headed the ball into the net from a corner kick taken by Lionel Messi. While this was Mac Allister's first goal of the tournament, Messi recorded his second assist. With this score, Switzerland fell behind in a match for the first time in this World Cup. Switzerland's sustained but ineffective pressure in the first half did not create a clear opportunity other than a chance in the 32nd minute where Embolo found himself one-on-one with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.

Starting the second half with determination and resolve, Switzerland sought an equalizer in the quarter-final they reached after 72 years. Martinez saved Breel Embolo's header in the 65th minute, and a minute later, the same goalkeeper managed to deflect Granit Xhaka's shot into a corner. Switzerland finally found the goal they were looking for in the 67th minute with Dan Ndoye's strike, bringing the score to 1-1. However, Switzerland's excitement was overshadowed in the 72nd minute when, following a VAR review, Embolo was sent off for his protests and unsporting behavior towards the referee. Switzerland was forced to spend the remaining time entirely on defense.

With Switzerland down a man, Argentina took control of the game, and Switzerland dropped back into their own half. Despite creating numerous goal-scoring opportunities and applying constant pressure, Argentina could not find another goal in regular time, and the game went to extra time. The fate of the match was decided in the final moments of extra time; just when it seemed everything would go to penalties, Julian Alvarez scored a phenomenal goal in the 112th minute. Sending the ball into the net with a shot from about 28 meters at a speed of 80 kilometers per hour, he put his team ahead 2-1. Then, in the dying moments of extra time, in the 120+1st minute, Lautaro Martinez made the score 3-1 with a rapid counter-attack, extinguishing all of Switzerland's hopes.

As the defending champions, Argentina seized the opportunity to play in their seventh World Cup final—the greatest achievement in their history—having won the trophy three times to date. Before the match, football fans at Kansas City Stadium observed a minute of silence for South African midfielder Jaden Adams, who passed away at the age of 25. While the match was officiated by Portuguese referee Joao Pinto Silva Pinheiro, this challenging 100th match, marked by controversial moments and fierce battles, succeeded in becoming one of the most unforgettable moments of the 2026 World Cup.