Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has declared that his side are willing to sacrifice everything to defeat Argentina in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final clash — and he believes they have what it takes to reach the semi-finals for the first time in 72 years.

Speaking at a pre-match press conference in Kansas City, Xhaka called on Swiss supporters to keep dreaming alongside the squad.

"Regarding the fans, keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true. And if we want to fulfil our dreams, you need to work, you need to sweat, you need to give it 100 percent. And sometimes you need to do something new. You really need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina. And I'm convinced my team is ready."

The Messi problem

Xhaka acknowledged that neutralising Lionel Messi over 90 minutes would be no easy task, but outlined a clear tactical approach for containing the Argentine icon.

"I don't know if we can stop him over 90 minutes. It is going to be difficult. However, we have to be very smart. We'll have to be compact, close the gaps, not give him too many spaces. We will try, obviously, to play in position. When we have the ball, he won't be able to act as much."

The Switzerland skipper insisted the squad's mindset is firmly set on making history, adding that hunger and mentality will be the decisive factors against the reigning world champions.

"After 72 years, to be able to be here with Switzerland and to play against a reigning champion, it just makes me very proud. But I am not here to talk. I want to take the next steps. And we are very close to the end and I am yearning for it. I am hungry and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch. We are very well prepared and we need to showcase our mentality and I am sure that we can really bother Argentina."

Switzerland's path to the quarter-finals

Switzerland secured their place in the last eight following a dramatic penalty shootout win over Colombia in the Round of 16, setting up this mouth-watering encounter with South America's dominant force.