Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in extra time to reach the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Thanks to Messi’s assist and Julian Alvarez’s decisive goal, the team will now face England.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: Defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 to reach their second consecutive World Cup semi-final. In the exciting match played in Kansas City, both the teams remained tied at 1-1 for 90 minutes, but in extra time, Argentina won the match by scoring two goals. With this victory, Argentina has reached the semi-finals for the sixth time in World Cup history. Now on July 15, it will face England, which is considered to be one of the most talked about matches of the tournament.
Initial lead from Messi’s assist
Argentina showed aggressive play from the very beginning of the match. The team got success in the 10th minute, when captain Lionel Messi gave an excellent pass and Alexis McAllister sent the ball into the goal through a brilliant header. This was Argentina’s fastest goal in this World Cup. This also became the 10th goal assist in the World Cup of Messi’s career, due to which he made another achievement in his name.
Switzerland made a great comeback
After falling behind in the first half, Switzerland raised the level of play in the second half. After continuous attacks, in the 67th minute, Dan Ndoye showed excellent coordination with Ricardo Rodriguez and scored a goal to make the score 1-1. After this goal, the match completely opened up and both the teams made several attempts to win, but no other goal could be scored till the stipulated time.
Argentina dominated in extra time
After the stipulated 90 minutes and injury time, the match went into extra time. Here Argentina demonstrated its experience and patience brilliantly. In the 112th minute, Julian Alvarez scored a brilliant goal to give Argentina a 2-1 lead. After this, in the last moments, in the 121st minute, Emiliano Martínez scored the third goal, ending all hopes of Switzerland’s comeback. In this way, Argentina registered a 3-1 victory and secured its ticket to the semi-finals.
There will be a clash with England in the semi-finals
Argentina will now play the semi-finals against England on July 15. Both teams are considered among the strongest teams in world football and have a long history of competition between them. Football experts believe that this match can prove to be the most exciting match of the tournament.
Argentina made many historical records
With this victory, Argentina also achieved many important achievements. This is the sixth time in World Cup history that Argentina has reached the semi-finals. Apart from this, the team was successful in making it to the last four in the second consecutive World Cup. Argentina also maintained the record of scoring a goal in the 15th consecutive match in the World Cup. In World Cup history, only teams like Uruguay, Hungary, Germany and Brazil have a longer goalscoring streak than this.
Unique achievement in extra time
Argentina became the first team in World Cup history to score two goals each in the same half of extra time in two different matches in the same tournament. Earlier, the team had also scored two goals during extra time in the Round of 32 match. This record reflects Argentina’s fitness, strategy and ability to withstand pressure in extra time.
Switzerland’s long chain broken
Before this match, Switzerland had not trailed in any World Cup or qualifier match for approximately 1,030 minutes. Mac Allister’s opening goal ended this long record. Although the Swiss team tried to make a brilliant comeback, it could not withstand Argentina’s pressure in extra time.
Red card increased problems
Switzerland forward Briel Embolo was shown a red card in the 72nd minute of the match. After video review, the referee deemed that he had tried to give the wrong impression of a foul. Embolo looked emotional while leaving the field and tears were also visible in his eyes. With one player less, the competition became more difficult for Switzerland.
Great performance by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel
Although Switzerland lost the match, its goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made several excellent saves. In the last moments of injury time, he made a brilliant dive to prevent a possible goal for Argentina. His performance was also appreciated by football experts.
Messi’s experience came in handy again
Lionel Messi may not have scored a goal in this match, but his creative role was very important. His excellent assists and ability to control the game throughout the match gave Argentina an early lead and kept the team’s confidence strong.
Now a big challenge against England
Argentina will next face England, who has been in excellent form in the tournament. If Argentina wins this match, it will enter its second consecutive World Cup final. At the same time, England will also enter the field with the hope of winning the World Cup title after a long gap. The eyes of football fans are now fixed on this high-voltage semi-final.
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