Argentina booked a blockbuster FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-final against England after defeating 10-man Switzerland 3-1 following extra time in a dramatic quarter-final on Sunday.
Lionel Scaloni's side had to dig deep before overcoming a resilient Swiss team at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, with Julian Alvarez's stunning extra-time strike finally breaking the deadlock before Lautaro Martinez sealed victory late on.
Argentina made the perfect start when Alexis Mac Allister headed home in the 10th minute after being picked out by Lionel Messi from a corner. The assist took Messi's World Cup tally to 10 across six editions of the tournament.
Switzerland refused to back down and deservedly equalised in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye swept home after excellent work by Ricardo Rodriguez.
The momentum shifted just five minutes later as Swiss striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, leaving Murat Yakin's side to play the remainder of the match with 10 men.
Despite their numerical advantage, Argentina struggled to find a breakthrough during normal time as Switzerland defended heroically.
The defending champions finally found the winner in the 112th minute when Alvarez curled a superb strike into the top corner from outside the box, sending thousands of Argentine supporters into celebration.
Martinez added a third goal in the closing moments of extra time to secure Argentina's place in the last four.
The victory extends Argentina's unbeaten run at the FIFA World Cup to 12 matches as they continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
England await in heavyweight semi-final
Argentina will now face England in one of football's fiercest rivalries after Thomas Tuchel's side defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time to reach the semi-finals.
The two nations share a long and politically charged football history, shaped by the Falklands (Malvinas) conflict and several memorable World Cup meetings.
Their most famous encounter came at the 1986 World Cup, when Diego Maradona inspired Argentina to a 2-1 victory with his controversial "Hand of God" goal and his iconic solo effort, widely regarded as one of the greatest goals in football history.
Argentina also defeated England on penalties at the 1998 World Cup before England gained revenge with a group-stage victory in the 2002 tournament.
Wednesday's semi-final promises another chapter in one of international football's greatest rivalries.
