Defending champion Argentina advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in a hard-fought quarterfinal match.
Argentina won the match held at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri on July 12, finishing regulation time tied at 1-1 before scoring two goals in extra time.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi's corner kick was headed in by Alexis Mac Allister. Although Messi did not score, he recorded an assist.
Switzerland equalized in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye scored with a right-footed shot inside the penalty area after receiving a pass from Ricardo Rodriguez.
The match shifted when Switzerland's Breel Embolo was sent off. Initially, the referee issued a yellow card to Leandro Paredes for a collision with Embolo. However, after a video review, it was determined that Embolo had fallen before making contact with Paredes. The yellow card for Paredes was rescinded, and Embolo received a yellow card, leading to his dismissal due to accumulation of cautions.
With a numerical advantage, Argentina was unable to score again in regulation, and the match went into extra time. Despite being down a player, Switzerland's defense, led by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, managed to hold off Argentina's attacks.
The deadlock was broken in the 117th minute when Julián Álvarez scored with a curling shot from outside the penalty area, giving Argentina a 2-1 lead.
Argentina sealed the victory in stoppage time of extra time when Lautaro Martínez scored, pushing the final score to 3-1.
This marks Argentina's second consecutive trip to the World Cup semifinals, following their appearance in the 2022 Qatar tournament. Meanwhile, Switzerland, which reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years since hosting the tournament in 1954, was unable to overcome their numerical disadvantage.
Argentina will face England in the semifinals. England defeated Norway 2-1 in their quarterfinal match, which also went into extra time.
The semifinal match is scheduled for July 16 at 4 a.m. at Atlanta Stadium, with France and Spain competing on the opposite side of the bracket for a spot in the final.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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