FIFA WC 2026: Defending champions Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time

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Defending champions Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals with a thrilling 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, setting up a blockbuster last-four clash against England. 

After surviving a tough test against Egypt in the Round of 16, Lionel Scaloni’s men needed another hard-fought display to move within two wins of retaining the World Cup title, a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.

Argentina seized early control of the match and found their breakthrough just 10 minutes in through Alexis Mac Allister.
 
While Argentina dictated the tempo for the remainder of the first half, Switzerland found it difficult to threaten the opposition box, with Djibril Sow’s distant strike being easily collected by Emiliano Martinez.

Julian Alvarez’s extra-time winner sends Argentina to the last four

Switzerland returned with far more intent in the second half, heavily testing the Argentine backline. Lisandro Martinez pulled off a crucial block to deny Dan Ndoye, before Emiliano Martinez was forced into quick successive saves to deny Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo. Switzerland’s mounting pressure ultimately yielded an equaliser in the 67th minute when Ndoye linked up beautifully with Ricardo Rodriguez before slotting the ball home.

However, the game turned on its head five minutes later when Embolo received a second yellow card for diving. Though Messi and Lautaro Martinez both came close to scoring before the 90-minute mark, Kobel’s heroics pushed the quarter-final into extra time.

The decisive blow came in the 112th minute via Julian Alvarez, who cut inside from the left flank and hammered a stunning 25-yard rocket into the top corner.

With Switzerland throwing everyone forward in the dying minutes, Lautaro Martinez capitalised on a loose rebound from a Kobel save to guarantee the victory. 

Argentina will now face England in the semi-final of the World Cup. This will be the first time Lionel Messi will face England in a major tournament. In the other quarterfinal, England defeated Norway in extra time through a Jude Bellingham brace.

France will face Spain in the other semi-final, with the winner set to play either Argentina or England in the final on Sunday.

(With inputs from ANI)

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