Argentina are through to the FIFA World Cup 2026 semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time in a dramatic quarterfinal at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, setting up a showdown with England on July 15.

Alexis Mac Allister broke the deadlock in the 9th minute, finishing off an assist from Lionel Messi to give the defending champions an early advantage. Switzerland hit back in the 66th minute, with Dan Ndoye levelling proceedings and threatening to send the tie into a tense finish.

The red card that changed everything

The match turned on a pivotal VAR decision shortly after the equaliser, when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was shown a red card for simulation. Switzerland were forced to play the entirety of extra time with 10 men — a disadvantage Argentina exploited ruthlessly.

Before the dismissal, both sides went close to finding a winner in normal time. Mac Allister came within a header of snatching victory, while Messi curled an attempt narrowly wide with his right foot, leaving the score 1-1 at 90 minutes.

Argentina seize control in extra time

With the numerical advantage, Argentina took control. Julián Álvarez restored the lead with a stunning strike in the 112th minute, and Lautaro Martínez added a third to seal a 3-1 victory and book Argentina's place in the final four.

Lionel Scaloni's side will face England, who also needed extra time to eliminate Norway, in the semi-final on July 15.