Argentina booked their place in the 2026 World Cup semifinals with a 3-1 extra-time victory over 10-man Switzerland on Sunday, setting up a clash with England in Atlanta.
Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead in the 10th minute, heading home Lionel Messi’s corner for his first goal of the tournament. Switzerland responded after the break, with Dan Ndoye finishing a flowing move to level the score in the 67th minute.
The match turned four minutes later when Breel Embolo was sent off after VAR overturned a foul against Leandro Paredes and instead ruled that the Swiss striker had dived, earning him a second yellow card.
Despite playing with 10 men, Switzerland held firm through the remainder of normal time and forced extra time, with goalkeeper Gregor Kobel producing several crucial saves to keep Argentina at bay.
Argentina finally broke through in the 113th minute when Julian Alvarez curled a superb shot into the top corner after Kobel had denied Messi moments earlier. Lautaro Martinez sealed the win in stoppage time, finishing into an empty net after a swift counterattack.
Messi provided the assist for Argentina’s opening goal and was heavily involved throughout, while Switzerland exited after a spirited defensive effort despite being reduced to 10 men for nearly 50 minutes.
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