Argentina vs Switzerland: Alvarez and Martinez Send Argentina Into the Semifinals

Updated 12 July 2026. Image AI-generated for illustrative purposes.

Argentina vs Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup 2026 finished 3-1 after extra time, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scoring in the additional 30 minutes to send Argentina into the semifinals. Alexis Mac Allister had put Argentina ahead inside 10 minutes, Dan Ndoye levelled for 10-man Switzerland in the second half, and Breel Embolo’s 72nd-minute red card for a second yellow proved decisive as Argentina’s extra pair of legs told in extra time. Lionel Messi did not get on the scoresheet, ending his run of scoring in nine straight World Cup matches, but he did not need to.

Argentina vs Switzerland FIFA World Cup 2026: How Argentina Won It

Argentina made the perfect start when Alexis Mac Allister converted inside the opening 10 minutes, and for long stretches it looked like a routine afternoon in Kansas City. Switzerland had other ideas. Dan Ndoye levelled in the 67th minute with a driven finish that forced extra time, and Granit Xhaka’s side matched Argentina stride for stride despite Breel Embolo seeing red for two yellow cards, the second arriving in the 72nd minute. Playing an hour with 10 men against Lionel Messi’s Argentina would break most sides, but Switzerland held firm through 90 minutes and deep into the additional period.

It took until the 112th minute for the extra man to matter. Julian Alvarez, who had been Argentina’s most dangerous outlet all game, converted to restore the lead, and Lautaro Martinez added a third in the first minute of stoppage time at the end of extra time to settle it. Messi was heavily involved throughout without scoring himself, his streak of finding the net in nine consecutive World Cup matches, stretching back to 2022, coming to an end. He still walked off to a standing ovation for a display that created two of Argentina’s three goals.

What It Means for the Semifinals

Argentina reach a second straight World Cup semifinal and will face England on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, the first meeting between the two nations at a men’s World Cup since the 2002 group stage. Julian Alvarez’s extra-time double, including the assist for Lautaro Martinez’s clincher, makes him the man Lionel Scaloni will lean on again if games go long. For Switzerland, the exit ends the best World Cup run for the Swiss since 1954, undone as much by Embolo’s red card as anything Argentina did in normal time.

What Is Next

Argentina now turn to a semifinal against England, the last remaining side from Europe outside the France vs Spain tie. Follow every result on our Quarterfinals hub and track goals live on live scores. See the full picture in our complete World Cup 2026 guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score in Argentina vs Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup 2026?

Argentina won 3-1 after extra time. Alexis Mac Allister scored in the 10th minute, Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the 67th, and Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored in extra time to win it for Argentina.

Did Lionel Messi score against Switzerland?

No. It was the first World Cup match since 2022 in which Messi did not score, ending a run of nine consecutive matches with a goal, though he set up two of Argentina’s three goals.

Who does Argentina play in the World Cup semifinal?

Argentina face England on July 15 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, their first men’s World Cup meeting since the 2002 group stage.

Sources: Wikipedia match record and ESPN live coverage.