Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez struck in extra time after Switzerland were reduced to 10 men following Breel Embolo’s red card.
BY PC Bureau
July 12 — Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Saturday, overcoming stubborn resistance before pulling away late to set up a blockbuster last-four clash with England.
The defending South American champions dominated long spells of the quarter-final but needed extra time to break down a resilient Swiss side that played more than 50 minutes with 10 men after Breel Embolo was sent off.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the perfect start, putting Lionel Scaloni’s side ahead in the 10th minute with a well-worked finish from a set-piece routine. Switzerland gradually grew into the contest and found an equaliser in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye capitalised on a defensive lapse to level the score at 1-1.
Argentina 🇦🇷 are through to the FIFA World Cup semifinals
The defending champions defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a thrilling quarter-final pic.twitter.com/pRPAG4lI9q
— Sri Lanka Tweet 🇱🇰 (@SriLankaTweet) July 12, 2026
The momentum shifted dramatically just three minutes later. Swiss striker Breel Embolo received a straight red card from Portuguese referee João Pinheiro for a reckless challenge, forcing Switzerland to play the remainder of regulation time and extra time with 10 men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances during the closing stages of normal time, sending the contest into an additional 30 minutes.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez curled a superb right-footed strike into the top corner after being picked out by José López, restoring Argentina’s lead and sending the travelling fans into celebration.
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Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser but left gaps at the back, and Argentina sealed the victory in stoppage time. Lautaro Martínez collected a loose ball outside the penalty area before drilling an unstoppable shot into the bottom-right corner to make it 3-1 and end Swiss hopes of a comeback.
Lionel Messi, although unable to add his name to the scoresheet, orchestrated much of Argentina’s attacking play and remained influential throughout the contest, creating chances and drawing defenders as the Albiceleste controlled possession in the latter stages.
The victory sends Argentina into a highly anticipated semi-final against England, setting up one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament. England reached the last four after defeating Norway, while Argentina survived a stern examination from a determined Swiss side to keep their hopes of lifting another World Cup title alive.
