**Argentina Defeats Switzerland to Reach World Cup 2026 Semifinals Against England**
*Kansas City, July 12, 2026* – Defending champions Argentina secured their place in the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Switzerland in a match that extended into extra time at Kansas City Stadium. The win sets up a highly anticipated clash with England on Wednesday.
The match began with an early advantage for Argentina, as Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 10th minute. He connected with a well-placed cross from Lionel Messi, heading the ball past Swiss goalkeeper Yann Sommer to give Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Despite this promising start, Argentina struggled to maintain control of the game. Switzerland, displaying resilience, equalized in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye found the net from close range. This goal was a result of sustained pressure from the Swiss side, who had been looking for opportunities to level the score.
The game took a controversial turn in the 72nd minute when Swiss forward Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation, leading to his dismissal. The decision came after a VAR review, which determined that Embolo had dived to win a free kick, prompting Portuguese referee Joao Pinheiro to overturn his initial call. This left Switzerland with ten men, significantly altering the dynamics of the match.
With the score tied at 1-1 and time running out, Argentina pushed for a winner. They came close to regaining the lead in the dying moments of regulation time when Lisandro Martinez attempted a scissor-kick, but his effort lacked the power needed to beat Sommer. Messi also had a chance to score but was denied in a one-on-one situation, with the assistant referee raising the flag for offside, although replays suggested he may have been onside.
As the match progressed into extra time, it was Julian Alvarez who emerged as the hero for Argentina. In the 112th minute, he struck a stunning long-range shot from 25 yards that soared into the top right corner of the net, putting Argentina ahead 2-1.
With Switzerland pushing forward in search of an equalizer, Argentina took advantage of the gaps left in the Swiss defense. In stoppage time of extra time, Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory with a third goal, following a counterattack initiated by Thiago Almada. Martinez's shot deflected kindly into his path, allowing him to slot it home and secure the win for Argentina.
The victory not only propels Argentina into the semifinals but also highlights the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure. They will face England, who also advanced after a hard-fought extra-time victory against Norway. The other semifinal will feature Spain taking on France, a rematch of the final Argentina won in Qatar 2022.
As Argentina prepares for their next challenge, the taxing nature of the tournament may play a role in their performance. They have already faced extra time in the round of 32 against Cape Verde, and the upcoming match against England promises to be another test of endurance. However, with 39-year-old Messi continuing to defy age and deliver exceptional performances, Argentina remains a formidable contender in the tournament.
The excitement surrounding the semifinal clash between Argentina and England is palpable, as both teams aim to secure a spot in the final and continue their quest for World Cup glory.