Live: Argentina wins in extra time against 10-man Switzerland to advance to the 2026 World Cup semifinals.
On 12 July 2026 GMT+7, in the last quarterfinal match of the 2026 World Cup, defending champions and three-time world champions Argentina faced Switzerland, one of the tournament's dark horse teams.
In the 10th minute of the first half, Argentina quickly took the lead 1-0. Lionel Messi delivered a left-side corner kick to the near post, where Alexis Mac Allister headed the ball powerfully into the far post.
At the 31st minute, Switzerland nearly equalized when Breel Embolo broke into the penalty area from a through pass, but Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez rushed out to intercept the ball. The first half ended with Argentina leading 1-0.
In the 50th minute of the second half, Switzerland had another chance to equalize. Breel Embolo received a long ball behind the defense into the penalty area and passed to Dan Ndoye, who took a shot. Lisandro Martinez slid to block it just in time, though the play was offside.
At the 67th minute, Argentina, focusing more on defense, conceded an equalizer as Dan Ndoye combined with Ricardo Rodriguez before Ndoye broke through to score narrowly, the ball slipping through Emiliano Martinez's legs into the far post to make it 1-1.
A key turning point came at the 72nd minute when the referee reviewed a VAR decision and issued a second yellow card, thus a red, to Switzerland's striker Breel Embolo for simulation during a challenge with Leandro Paredes, reducing Switzerland to 10 players.
In the 9th minute of added time (90+9'), Argentina nearly scored the winning goal when Lisandro Martinez volleyed inside the penalty area, but Gregor Kobel saved it. The match ended 1-1 after 90 minutes, leading to 30 minutes of extra time.
In the 112th minute, Argentina took the lead 2-1 as substitute Flaco Lopez passed back to Julian Alvarez, who curled a beautiful shot from outside the box into the top corner of the far post.
At 120+1 minutes, the 'Albiceleste' sealed the win with a counterattack finished by Lautaro Martinez, securing a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.
Defending champions Argentina remain on course, advancing to the 2026 World Cup semifinals to face England, who defeated Norway. The match is scheduled for the night of 15 July (early morning 16 July Thai time).