Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez sealed the deal in extra time, as Argentina overcame a gritty Switzerland to reach the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final. It was a dramatic quarter-final at the Kansas City Stadium as the two teams settled for a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes. Switzerland, who went down to ten men after Breel Embolo’s red card midway through the second half, forced extra time, demonstrating their defensive solidarity. They, however, ultimately surrendered to the high-profile Argentine side, with Alvarez and Martinez putting the game to bed with back-to-back strikes late in the second half of extra time.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Julian Alvarez Scores A Screamer
The Atletico Madrid superstar found the ball outside the box. Blindfolded by a crowded defense, Julian Alvarez tried his luck from a distance. He pulled off a precise strike with his right foot, and his curved delivery headed into the net from the top-right corner, giving Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel no chance to react. Lionel Messi and his teammates broke into a wild celebration as Argentina finally restored their lead against a ten-man Switzerland, with only a few minutes left on the clock.
Watch Julian Alvarez’s goal vs Switzerland:
Julian Alvarez when messi needed him. pic.twitter.com/OKE7BRCZpN
— Bop©️ (@bopCzn) July 12, 2026
Lautaro Martinez Strikes Late To Seal 3-1 Victory
While Switzerland looked desperate for the equaliser, Lautaro Martinez put the game beyond doubt, scoring the third goal for Argentina moments after Alvarez’s strike. Thiago Almada made a brilliant run into the box and had almost scored a memorable solo goal. But his shot was denied by Kobel. The ball landed to Martinez, who was also inside the box. The Inter Milan forward calmly finished from close range, knocking Switzerland out of the contest.
Watch Lautaro Martinez’s Goal vs Switzerland:
Lautaro Martinez Goal vs Switzerland | Argentina vs Switzerland | FIFA World Cup Quarterfinal #ARGSUI #Argentina #Switzerland #FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/kaDHu2nSDJ
— Football Extra Clips (@Tekkerzball) July 12, 2026
Who was the Man of the Match in Argentina vs Switzerland?
Lionel Messi once again wrapped up as the best player despite scoring no goals in the FIFA World Cup quarter-final. The Argentina captain assisted Mac Allister for the opener in the first half. He completed three successful dribbles and played 11 passes in the final third while creating six chances. Looking at his defensive contributions, Messi won three tackles and recovered the ball five times.
After edging Switzerland with a competitive show, Argentina will now face England in the semi-final on July 15.
