Argentina beat Switzerland after extra time to set up World Cup semifinal against England

Defending champions Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals on Saturday, booking a semifinal clash against England.

Alexis Mac Allister gave Argentina an early lead in the 10th minute, heading home a cross from Lionel Messi at Kansas City Stadium.

Switzerland responded strongly after the break and equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, who finished from close range after sustained pressure.

The match turned in the 72nd minute when Swiss forward Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for simulation. The decision followed a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review under the tournament's new "mistaken identity" protocol, prompting referee Joao Pinheiro to overturn an earlier booking issued to Argentina's Leandro Paredes and instead caution Embolo.

Argentina pushed for a winner in normal time but were unable to find a breakthrough, forcing the contest into extra time.

Julian Alvarez restored Argentina's advantage in the 112th minute with a powerful long-range strike into the top corner.

As Switzerland committed players forward in search of another equaliser, Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory deep into stoppage time of extra time, finishing a counterattack initiated by Thiago Almada.