Kansas: Argentina kept their FIFA World Cup 2026 title defence on track in dramatic fashion, defeating a resilient Switzerland 3-1 after extra time at the Kansas City Stadium. The victory sends the reigning champions through to a semi-final showdown with England.

The contest was a gruelling test for Lionel Scaloni’s side. Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute through an Alexis Mac Allister header from a Lionel Messi corner, but Switzerland fought back to level the scores in the 67th minute courtesy of Dan Ndoye.

The match turned on a contentious disciplinary decision in the 71st minute when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off following a second yellow card after a VAR "mistaken identity" review. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Switzerland’s defence held firm through the remainder of regulation time, forcing the game into an additional 30 minutes.

As the match approached its conclusion, Argentina’s superior depth proved decisive. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock with a spectacular curling strike from the edge of the penalty area. As Switzerland pushed bodies forward in a desperate search for another equaliser, Lautaro Martínez struck on the counter-attack in the final minute of stoppage time to seal the 3-1 victory.

The "extra-time heroics" of the Argentine side, noting that the scoreline did not fully reflect the tenacity of the Swiss challenge. While Switzerland’s exit marks the end of their most successful World Cup campaign since 1954, Argentina moves forward as one of the four remaining teams in the tournament.

Lionel Messi and his teammates will now travel to Atlanta to face England on Thursday, 16 July, in what promises to be one of the most anticipated clashes of the tournament. The other semi-final will feature France and Spain, who secured their places in the final four after impressive wins over Morocco and Belgium, respectively.