Defending champions Argentina survived a spirited Swiss challenge before producing another extra-time escape to defeat Switzerland 3-1 and book a place in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where a mouthwatering clash with England now awaits.
Lionel Scaloni's side once again showed their ability to grind out results under pressure, overcoming stubborn resistance and a controversial turning point to remain on course for back-to-back World Cup titles.
The victory also completed a historic semi-final line-up featuring Argentina, England, France and Spain, the first time in FIFA World Cup history that the world's top four FIFA-ranked nations have all reached the last four of the same tournament.
Alexis Mac Allister glanced Lionel Messi's corner into the net after just 10 minutes. (Photo: X/Argentina)
Argentina made the perfect start in Kansas City when Alexis Mac Allister glanced Lionel Messi's corner into the net after just 10 minutes, handing the South Americans an early advantage. The assist added another landmark to Messi's extraordinary World Cup career, taking him to 10 assists in the competition, more than any player since detailed records began in 1966. Remarkably, every one of those assists has been converted by a different teammate.
Despite the early breakthrough, Switzerland gradually took control of proceedings. Murat Yakin's side refused to panic and consistently troubled the Argentine defence with their pressing and attacking movement.
Their persistence was rewarded midway through the second half when Dan Ndoye combined brilliantly with Ricardo Rodriguez before drilling his finish through Emiliano Martinez to level the contest at 1-1.
At that stage, Switzerland looked the more likely winners, having outplayed the defending champions for long periods.
However, the match swung dramatically in the 72nd minute following one of the tournament's most controversial VAR interventions.
Breel Embolo initially appeared to have been fouled by Leandro Paredes near the halfway line, with the Argentine midfielder receiving a yellow card. Following a VAR review for mistaken identity, the referee instead determined that Embolo had simulated contact. Paredes' booking was rescinded, while Embolo, already on a yellow card, was shown a second caution and sent off.
The decision made Embolo only the fourth player since 1966 to receive a second yellow card for simulation at a FIFA World Cup, joining Francesco Totti (2002), Luis Pérez (2006) and Ghana's Asamoah Gyan (2006).
Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland defended courageously and forced the game into extra time, mirroring the two nations' previous World Cup knockout meeting in 2014, when Argentina also needed additional time to prevail.
Eventually, Argentina's quality told.
Argentina's Julian Alvarez celebrates after scoring his goal. (Photo: X/Argentina)
In the 108th minute, Julián Álvarez produced the decisive moment, curling a magnificent strike from 25 yards beyond Gregor Kobel to restore Argentina's lead.
As Switzerland desperately searched for another equaliser, Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory on the counterattack to send the reigning champions into yet another World Cup semi-final.
While the scoreline suggested comfort, Argentina were pushed to their limits throughout the contest. Switzerland finished as the better side for significant spells and tested Emiliano Martínez repeatedly through Ndoye, Embolo and Granit Xhaka, while Argentina struggled to create chances after their early goal.
The Albiceleste managed just one shot on target between Mac Allister's opener and Lisandro Martínez's late stoppage-time effort before extra time, underlining how difficult the evening proved for Scaloni's men.
Yet tournament football is often decided by moments rather than dominance, and Argentina once again found theirs.
The victory extended several remarkable records. Argentina have now emerged victorious in 11 of their 13 FIFA World Cup matches that have gone to extra time, underlining their reputation for thriving under pressure.
They have also scored in 15 consecutive World Cup matches and have now found the net at least twice in 11 straight World Cup games, setting a new tournament record for the longest sequence of scoring multiple goals, surpassing Uruguay's historic run between 1930 and 1954.
Messi continued adding to his remarkable legacy despite failing to score for the first time at this World Cup. His assist for Mac Allister was his 10th in World Cup history, while he also became the first player since 1966 to create at least 20 shooting chances in three separate World Cup tournaments, having previously achieved the feat in 2014 and 2022.
Scaloni also reached another personal milestone, taking charge of Argentina for a 13th World Cup match to move past César Luis Menotti and sit just one behind Carlos Bilardo's national record of 14 matches as Argentina coach at the tournament.
For Switzerland, the defeat was another painful chapter in their history. Despite arriving unbeaten across 11 World Cup qualifiers and finals and without trailing at any point before facing Argentina, they were once again denied a first World Cup semi-final appearance.
It also extended Switzerland's miserable record in major tournament quarter-finals, having now lost all six appearances at that stage.
Argentina, meanwhile, march on with dreams of defending their world crown intact.
Standing between them and another World Cup final is England, with the two football heavyweights now set to renew one of international football's greatest rivalries in what promises to be one of the standout matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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