By Daily Review Online
Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a dramatic quarterfinal clash at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, United States.
Argentina will now face England in a blockbuster semifinal after the Three Lions edged Norway 2-1 in extra time earlier on Saturday.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina the lead in the first half, but Switzerland responded strongly after the break as Dan Ndoye equalised to send the contest into extra time.
The turning point came when Swiss striker Breel Embolo was sent off, reducing Switzerland to 10 men. Despite the numerical disadvantage, the Swiss defended resolutely and looked capable of taking the game to a penalty shootout.
However, Argentina finally found the breakthrough in the second half of extra time. Julián Alvarez curled a superb strike into the far corner in the 112th minute to restore his side’s advantage and send Argentine supporters into celebration.
As Switzerland pushed forward in search of another equaliser, Argentina struck again on the counterattack deep into stoppage time. Thiago Almada’s effort was saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, but Lautaro Martínez reacted quickest to convert the rebound and seal a 3-1 victory.
Switzerland, who had impressed for much of the contest, bowed out of the tournament at the quarterfinal stage once again despite a spirited performance.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain on course to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022 and will now take on England for a place in the final. The semifinal promises to be one of the biggest matches of the tournament, with Lionel Messi’s Argentina aiming to continue their title defence against an England side inspired by Jude Bellingham.