Julian Alvarez scored a long-range goal in the 112th minute to send defending champion Argentina into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinals against Switzerland. Lautaro Martinez added another goal in the closing seconds of extra time, securing a 3-1 win on Saturday night that appeared more comfortable than the match actually was.
Alexis Mac Allister also found the net from a corner delivered by Lionel Messi, allowing Argentina to advance after another close contest. They will face England on Wednesday in Atlanta. England defeated Norway 2-1 earlier that day.
Messi’s scoring streak at the World Cup ended after nine matches, yet his bid for a second title continues. With Argentina and England joining France and Spain in the semifinals, this marks the first time the top four teams in the FIFA rankings have all reached this stage.
The match turned in the second half following a decision likely to draw criticism regarding officiating. Switzerland had equalized through Dan Ndoye’s goal in the 67th minute when Leandro Paredes received a yellow card for a challenge on Breel Embolo. Video review showed Embolo falling before contact occurred, leading to his dismissal due to a prior yellow card and leaving Switzerland with ten players.
This was the second instance of a yellow card being corrected under the mistaken identity protocol at the tournament. Argentina, on a 12-match unbeaten run, had appeared vulnerable in earlier knockout games, needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde and overcoming a two-goal deficit late in regulation against Egypt.
Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954 but have yet to advance to a semifinal or defeat Argentina in eight encounters, including three at the World Cup. Argentina has trained in Kansas City for the past month and drew large crowds to Arrowhead Stadium.
Hot and humid conditions eased as the sun set, creating an appealing backdrop for the 100th match of the expanded tournament. The Swiss, who had conceded just three goals in five games, controlled possession early but fell behind after Messi helped win a corner that Mac Allister converted.
Switzerland struggled to penetrate Argentina’s defense and missed a key forward due to injury. They equalized through Ndoye but lost momentum after the red card. Argentina applied late pressure before Alvarez’s strike in extra time secured their progression.
