By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: FIFA.
The defending champions Argentina struck twice late in extra time to beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 in the final quarter-final of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina side kept alive their bid to become the first team to retain the World Cup since Brazil in 1962 with a victory that sparked pandemonium among the sea of sky-blue-and-white supporters and ended Switzerland’s fairytale run.
Alexis Mac Allister had given Argentina the lead in the 10th minute, meeting Lionel Messi’s corner at the front post with a flicked header that sailed beyond Gregor Kobel and into the far corner. It was the first time Switzerland had trailed in the tournament.
It was heartbreak for Switzerland, who had defended valiantly after being reduced to 10 men during the second half in dramatic circumstances.
Star striker Breel Embolo was dramatically given a second yellow card for diving following a video assistant referee review.
Embolo initially appeared to be fouled near the half-way line by Leandro Paredes, who was booked. However, the referee was called by VAR to check under the mistaken identity rule, with the replay showing the Swiss player had clearly simulated contact.
The Paredes booking was quashed and Embolo, who had already been booked, was sent off to his distress and Swiss outrage.
Just five minutes before Embolo was dismissed, Switzerland had deservedly equalised having been the better team for much of this game against the reigning world champions.
The thriller – Kansas City’s final World Cup game – looked headed for a shootout before Julian Alvarez, excellent all night, whipped a gorgeous long-range shot into the top corner in the 112th minute that Kobel at full-stretch had no chance of saving.
Lautaro Martinez added a third for the holders nine minutes later when he calmly slotted home the rebound of Thiago Almada’s shot.
“We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble,” said Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni. “Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it’s a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.”
England meanwhile staged an extra-time escape act to defeat Norway 2-1 on Saturday/Sunday and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Argentina will play England in the second semi-final on Wednesday, 15 July in Atlanta. The victor in that match will then face France or Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
England and Argentina have produced several memorable World Cup meetings over the years, including Argentina’s famous 2-1 victory in 1986 featuring Diego Maradona’s “Hand of God” goal and his celebrated solo effort, before Argentina won a penalty shootout in 1998 and England claimed revenge four years later.