World Cup 2026: Julián Álvarez wondergoal sends Argentina past Switzerland into England semi-final
Argentina booked their place in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, July 12, with Julián Álvarez producing a moment of brilliance to settle a fiercely contested quarter-final.
Alexis Mac Allister had given the holders an early lead before Dan Ndoye levelled the scores in the second half, but Breel Embolo's sending off shifted the momentum in Argentina's favour.
Álvarez's spectacular strike in the 112th minute broke Swiss resistance before Lautaro Martínez sealed the victory in stoppage time, setting up a mouth-watering semi-final clash against England.
For long periods Switzerland frustrated the reigning world champions, but once the game entered extra time Argentina's superior quality eventually shone through.
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Álvarez delivers when Argentina needed him most
With penalties looming, Álvarez once again demonstrated why he has become one of the world's most reliable big-game forwards.
The Manchester City striker had been kept relatively quiet throughout normal time before producing a stunning strike from outside the penalty area that flew beyond the Swiss goalkeeper and sparked wild celebrations among the Argentina supporters.
It was the defining moment of an absorbing contest, rewarding Argentina's persistence after they dominated possession without consistently finding a breakthrough during the second half.
Lautaro Martínez then wrapped up the result in stoppage time of extra time after Switzerland had committed bodies forward in search of another equaliser.
Messi pulls the strings again
Although he did not get on the scoresheet, Lionel Messi remained at the heart of almost everything Argentina created.
The captain dictated the tempo, constantly drifted into dangerous pockets of space and provided the creativity that eventually wore Switzerland down, registering another key assist in the tournament as Argentina kept their title defence alive.
Mac Allister's early opener had seemingly put Lionel Scaloni's side on course for a comfortable afternoon, but Switzerland refused to disappear and responded admirably after the break through Ndoye.
Embolo dismissal proves decisive
The game's turning point arrived just five minutes after Switzerland equalised.
Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card following a VAR intervention for simulation, reducing Murat Yakin's side to 10 men and dramatically changing the momentum of the contest.
The decision sparked frustration within the Swiss camp after the final whistle, with Yakin believing it proved decisive in the outcome.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Switzerland defended courageously throughout much of extra time before finally being broken by Álvarez's moment of magic.
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England await in heavyweight semi-final
Argentina's victory now sets up one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Fresh from Jude Bellingham's heroics against Norway, England now stand between the defending champions and another World Cup final, while Argentina will once again look to Messi's leadership and Álvarez's clinical finishing as they chase back-to-back world titles.
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