Julián Álvarez fires Argentina past Switzerland in ET to set up semi-final clash with England

Defending champions Argentina overcame another stern knockout challenge to defeat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time, with Julián Álvarez producing the decisive breakthrough to send La Albiceleste into the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals.

After Switzerland had forced extra time with a second-half equaliser, Álvarez unleashed a spectacular strike in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez sealed victory deep into stoppage time, booking Argentina's place in a heavyweight semi-final against England.

Argentina made a positive start in Kansas City despite Switzerland enjoying much of the early possession. Lionel Messi created the opening breakthrough from a set-piece, delivering a dangerous corner that Alexis Mac Allister powered into the net to hand the South Americans a first-half lead.

It was another important contribution from Messi, whose creative influence remained central despite failing to extend his remarkable World Cup scoring streak.

Switzerland fight back

The Swiss gradually grew into the contest after halftime and were rewarded in the 67th minute. Ricardo Rodríguez threaded a perfectly weighted pass into Dan Ndoye, who calmly finished beyond Emiliano Martínez to level the match and breathe new life into Switzerland's hopes of reaching their first-ever World Cup semi-final.

The equaliser shifted momentum firmly toward Murat Yakin's side.

Controversial VAR decision changes momentum

Moments after Switzerland drew level, the match produced its biggest talking point. Leandro Paredes was initially shown a yellow card following a challenge involving Breel Embolo.

After a lengthy VAR review, officials ruled that Embolo had simulated the incident before contact occurred. Because the Swiss forward had already been booked earlier in the match, his yellow card became a second caution, resulting in his dismissal.

Reduced to 10 men, Switzerland were forced into a defensive approach for the remainder of regulation and extra time.

Argentina finally break through

Despite dominating possession after the sending-off, Argentina struggled to create clear-cut opportunities against Switzerland's disciplined defence. Extra time appeared destined for penalties before Álvarez produced the decisive moment.

Receiving possession well outside the penalty area, the Manchester City forward drove forward before firing a powerful strike beyond goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to restore Argentina's lead. As Switzerland pushed desperately for another equaliser, Lautaro Martínez added a third goal in stoppage time to complete the victory.

Although Messi did not score, the Argentina captain remained influential throughout the match. His assist for Mac Allister represented another important contribution as the 39-year-old continued leading Argentina's pursuit of consecutive FIFA World Cup titles.

The result also extended Argentina's unbeaten run at the World Cup to 12 matches.

England awaits

Argentina will now face England in one of the tournament's most eagerly anticipated semi-finals.

The meeting brings together two traditional football powers, with England arriving after defeating Norway and Argentina surviving yet another dramatic knockout battle.

With France facing Spain in the other semi-final, the FIFA World Cup 2026 has produced a last four featuring the top four nations in the FIFA World Rankings, a historic first in World Cup history.

Argentina remain two victories away from successfully defending the title they lifted in Qatar four years ago.

Match Summary

Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (After Extra Time)

Goals

• Argentina: Alexis Mac Allister, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez
• Switzerland: Dan Ndoye

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