Argentina advanced to the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a dramatic 3-1 victory over a resilient Switzerland side in extra time. The high-stakes quarter-final, held at the Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, required an additional 30 minutes of play after finishing 1-1 at the end of regulation time.
The defending champions got off to a dream start in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister scored a brilliant header, perfectly converting a corner kick delivered by captain Lionel Messi to take a 1-0 lead into halftime. However, Switzerland fought back fiercely in the second half, with Ricardo Rodriguez finding the equalizer in the 67th minute to stun the Albiceleste and eventually force the game into extra time.
Switzerland's uphill battle intensified after Breel Embolo was sent off following a reckless foul on an Argentine player, reducing the Swiss squad to 10 men. Exploiting the numerical advantage in extra time, Argentina unleashed a decisive attack. Julián Álvarez netted his second goal of the match to restore the lead, before Lautaro Martínez sealed the spectacular 3-1 victory with a striking 120th-minute goal just before the final whistle.
With this triumph, Argentina set up a semi-final clash against England, who booked their own spot earlier this morning with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Norway.
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