Argentina are back in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after surviving a dramatic 3-1 quarter-final win against the 10 men of Switzerland in a second straight scare after edging past Egypt.
This time though, Lionel Messi required help along the way, namely in the shape of Julian Alvarez, who smashed home their second in extra-time to put the Albiceleste in front.
Alexis Mac Allister had given the champions the lead, only for Dan Ndoye’s sublime effort to bring deserved parity for the Swiss.
But a controversial VAR check for mistaken identity proved decisive, with Breel Embolo handed a second yellow card for simulation and the Swiss forward could be seen leaving the pitch in tears with his side down a player for more than 45 minutes, including extra-time.
Argentina added some gloss to the scoreline after Alvarez’s strike in extra-time as Lautaro Martinez slotted home to confirm a mouthwatering semi-final against England on Wednesday. Follow all the reaction and analysis below:
Semi-finalists confirmed
So, your final four in the World Cup 2026 are as follows:
France, Spain, England and Argentina.
France and Spain will meet on Tuesday, July 14, at 8pm BST, before England and Argentina lock horns on Wednesday, July 15, also at 8pm BST.
Interestingly, all four sides are currently ranked inside the top four of FIFA’s ranking.
For the first time, FIFA implemented seeding to keep the top four sides apart – and it appears to have worked.
Argentina’s passage to the semi-finals confirmed
Full time: Argentina 3 – 1 Switzerland A.E.T
It took an extra 30 minutes against 10 men, but Argentina return for a sixth World Cup semi-final.
Not only have Argentina found a way to win again – but they found it without heavy involvement from talisman Messi, especially in extra time.
GOAL! LAUTARO MARTINEZ FINISHES THE GAME
120+1 mins: Argentina 3 – 1 Switzerland
Lautaro Martinez sweeps up an Argentine counter to put this one to bed.
Almada does well to get the ball forward, beat on man, before the ball pops up for Martinez to slam home.
England v Argentina for a spot in the World Cup final. What a semi-final tie we have on our hands.
Four added minutes
120+1 mins: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland
Four minutes at the end here. Surely there is no more drama in this World Cup quarter final?
Messi almost seals it
119 mins: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland
On the counter, Messi has a shot blocked out for a corner. Messi had sold the goalie, meaning it was a vital intervention.
Jose Lopez becomes third Argentine sub booked
115 mins: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland
Sub Lopez, who came on for Paredes, has been booked after a flare-up following that goal.
Switzerland make their final change, Vargas coming on for Freuler.
GOAL! ALVAREZ STUNNER SURELY WINS IT FOR ARGENTINA
112 mins: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland
Messi has just tried his luck, and now Alvarez has a go – and what a go it is!
He curls into the top right from outside left of the box. A goal worthy of winning a World Cup quarter final.
