Argentina Edge Past Switzerland in Dramatic World Cup Quarter-Final, Set Up England Semi-Final
KANSAS CITY, July 12, 2026 — Argentina survived a controversial red card and a valiant Swiss performance to book their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, where they will face England in Atlanta on Wednesday night.
Julian Alvarez emerged as the hero for the reigning champions, curling a brilliant 25-yard strike past Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel in extra time to seal a 2-1 victory at a sweltering Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
The match was not without its drama. Switzerland had been forced to play with 10 men since the 65th minute when star striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a VAR review. The decision sparked fierce debate, with replays confirming Embolo had gone to ground with no contact from Leandro Paredes, who initially had been booked but saw his yellow rescinded under the mistaken identity rule.
How the Match Unfolded
Argentina started brightly and took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, who flicked home Lionel Messi’s corner at the near post after just 10 minutes. It seemed the Albiceleste would cruise into the semi-finals, but Switzerland grew into the game and deservedly equalized through Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute.
Ndoye cut in from the left, played a neat one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, and slipped his finish through the legs of Emiliano Martinez to level the score. The goal came just two minutes after Embolo’s dismissal, a cruel twist for the Swiss who had been the better side for long stretches.
Argentina struggled to break down a resolute Swiss defense for the remainder of regulation time, managing no shots on target between Mac Allister’s opener and deep into second-half stoppage time. But their quality eventually told in extra time when Alvarez produced a moment of magic, curling an unstoppable effort past Kobel from distance.
Lautaro Martinez added a third on the counter-attack as Argentina pushed the final score to 3-1, but the game was far closer than the scoreline suggests.
Records and Milestones
Lionel Messi added yet another record to his collection, becoming the first male player in history to register 10 assists in World Cup matches. Argentina also set a new tournament record for the longest consecutive sequence of scoring multiple goals, beating Uruguay’s run from 1930 to 1954.
For Switzerland, the defeat extends a painful streak — they have now lost all six quarter-finals they have played in major tournaments.
Upcoming World Cup 2026 Schedule
- Semi-Final 1: France vs Spain — Tuesday, July 14
- Semi-Final 2: Argentina vs England — Wednesday, July 15 (Atlanta)
- Final: Sunday, July 19
- Third-Place Playoff: Saturday, July 18
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Breel Embolo’s red card justified?
VAR reviews confirmed that Embolo simulated contact with Leandro Paredes and there was no foul. The referee correctly issued a second yellow card for simulation under the mistaken identity protocol, though many feel Argentina’s physical approach went largely unpunished throughout the match.
When and where is the Argentina vs England semi-final?
The match will be played on Wednesday, July 15 at 20:00 BST (3:00 PM ET) in Atlanta, Georgia. It will be broadcast live on BBC in the UK and Fox Sports in the United States.
Can Argentina win back-to-back World Cups?
Argentina are the reigning champions and remain among the favorites, but their performances have been inconsistent. After underwhelming displays in the Round of 16 and quarter-finals, they will need to raise their game significantly to overcome a strong England side led by Thomas Tuchel.