Argentina beats Switzerland 3-1 in World Cup to reach semis

Defending champion Argentina advanced to the FIFA World Cup semifinals with a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11, 2026. The win, secured by late goals from Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, sets up a historic semifinal clash with England in Atlanta on Wednesday, July 15.

Argentina took an early lead at Arrowhead Stadium when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a corner from captain Lionel Messi in the 10th minute. The assist was Messi's 10th in World Cup competition, setting a new tournament record. Switzerland, competing in its first quarterfinal since 1954, grew into the match and found a deserved equalizer in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye.

The game's pivotal moment arrived just minutes later when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a Video Assistant Referee review, reducing his side to ten men. The intervention involved the tournament's mistaken identity protocol, as the referee initially booked an Argentine player before the review led to the card being rescinded and issued to Embolo instead.

The decision proved highly controversial. Swiss coach Murat Yakin expressed profound...