Argentina once again struggled for a winner in 90 minutes, but Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez ensured their entry into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with late strikes, beating Switzerland 3-1. After Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock from Lionel Messi’s assist only ten minutes after kick-off, the Swiss crept back into the contest in the second half on the back of Dan Ndoye’s equaliser.
Tempers flared soon after the score was levelled, as Breel Embolo was sent off for a simulation offence. The VAR had to intervene after the on-field referee showed a yellow card to Leandro Paredes for a foul on Embolo. The decision was overturned after a review. Chasing a consecutive second World Cup title, Argentina will next face Harry Kane-led England in a blockbuster semi-final.
Argentina vs Switzerland Highlights
Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina the lead in the 10th minute, meeting Messi’s corner at the front post with a flicked header that sailed beyond Kobel and into the far corner. It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament. But the Swiss – without injured leading scorer Johan Manzambi, who had three goals and two assists – refused to wilt.
Brilliant header from Alexis Mac Allister but what a ball from Messi 👏👏! Argentina are ahead of Switzerland in first half! #ARGSUI pic.twitter.com/OfBF2vui1Z
— The Final Whistle (@Rufus_45) July 12, 2026
After a largely uneventful first half, the contest burst into life as Switzerland repeatedly tested Emiliano Martinez, forcing the Argentina goalkeeper into a string of sharp saves and jolting the South American supporters into full voice.
An equaliser felt almost inevitable as the Swiss piled on the pressure, and they were rewarded in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye exchanged passes with Ricardo Rodriguez down the left before sliding a right-footed finish through Martinez’s legs.
📸 EN IMAGE,
Le but inscrit par Dan Ndoye 🇨🇭 hier face à l’Argentine. ⚽️
La saison 2 qu’il nous prépare… 😮💨🌳#NFFCpic.twitter.com/XPbS6Sta4N
— Forest France 🇫🇷🌳 (@NottmForestFRA) July 12, 2026
The Swiss had reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, but fell one match short of an unprecedented semi-final appearance, suffering a major blow when Breel Embolo was sent off for diving in the 72nd minute.
How did Argentina win the tense quarter-final vs Switzerland?
The thriller – Kansas City’s final World Cup game – looked headed for a shootout before Alvarez, excellent all night, whipped a gorgeous long-range shot into the top corner in the 112th minute that Gregor Kobel at full stretch had no chance of saving.
Julian Alvarez winning goal in Argentina vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal game pic.twitter.com/innFIZztnu
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) July 12, 2026
Martinez added a third for the holders nine minutes later when he calmly slotted home the rebound of Thiago Almada’s shot.
Lautaro Martinez goal in Argentina vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal game pic.twitter.com/vJ2JefE1T0
— Daily Foot Vibes (@dailyfootvibes) July 12, 2026
“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble. Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better, but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals,” Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni said after the knockout victory.
(With inputs from Reuters)
