Argentina beat ten-man Switzerland in extra time to reach World Cup semi-final
Lionel Messi’s Argentina side survived a red card controversy and extra time to defeat Switzerland, setting up a highly anticipated semi-final clash against England in Atlanta.
Argentina secured their place in the 2026 World Cup semi-final by defeating a resilient Swiss side 3-1 after extra time at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The victory guarantees a highly anticipated last-four encounter against England in Atlanta on Wednesday evening.
In front of 69,045 fans, the reigning world champions established an early advantage when Alexis Mac Allister headed home from a Lionel Messi corner inside the first ten minutes. Switzerland responded with sustained pressure, forcing crucial interventions from goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and defender Lisandro Martinez to deny Breel Embolo.
Dan Ndoye eventually broke through to level the match in the 67th minute, finishing from a tight angle after a combination with Ricardo Rodriguez. The equalizer was followed by a chaotic sequence of events that drastically altered the contest.
Referee Joao Pinheiro initially booked Leandro Paredes for a foul, but a video assistant referee review invoked new mistaken identity rules. The official instead issued a second yellow card to Embolo for simulation, reducing Switzerland to ten men and leaving the forward inconsolable.
Despite the numerical advantage, Argentina could not find a winner in normal time. Switzerland were content to sit back and force a penalty shootout, but Argentina capitalized on the space in the additional period.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 112th minute when Julian Alvarez struck a 25-yard effort into the top corner. Lautaro Martinez added a late third to seal the match after Thiago Almada’s initial shot was saved.
The result sets up the first competitive meeting between Argentina and England in 24 years. For the European public, the semi-final represents a massive draw, pitting the reigning champions against a resurgent English squad with a place in the final against either France or Spain on the line.
Both teams enter the semi-final having endured the physical toll of extra time in their previous knockout matches. Argentina required a 93rd-minute winner against Egypt in the last 16, while England played an additional half-hour against Norway. With the playing field physically level, the tactical battle in Atlanta promises to be fiercely contested.
