Defending champions Argentina continued their title defence with a dramatic 3-1 win over Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium, a match that needed extra time to be settled. (ESPN)
An early lead and a Swiss equaliser
Alexis Mac Allister put Argentina ahead early, in the 10th minute, before Switzerland fought back to level after the hour mark through Ndoye in the 67th minute. But the key turning point came moments later, when Embolo was sent off for a second bookable offence, leaving his side down to ten men and gradually tilting the balance toward "La Albiceleste." (NPR)
Alvarez and Lautaro settle it in extra time
With the score locked at 1-1 through normal time, the match went to extra time, where Argentina's attacking depth showed. Julian Alvarez scored a superb left-footed strike into the far top corner in the 112th minute, before Lautaro Martinez added a third in the 121st minute (the first minute of second-half extra time stoppage time) to end any hope of a Swiss comeback. (FIFA)
A semi-final date with England
With the win, Argentina advance to the semi-final to face England, who themselves knocked out Norway after extra time. A clash between the defending champions and an ambitious English generation, promising one of the tournament's biggest occasions before the final.
Follow Malaab Al-An for full coverage of the 2026 World Cup semi-finals.
