Argentina are back in the World Cup 2026 semi-finals after surviving a dramatic 3-1 quarter-final win against the 10 men of Switzerland in a second straight scare after edging past Egypt.
This time though, Lionel Messi required help along the way, namely in the shape of Julian Alvarez, who smashed home their second in extra-time to put the Albiceleste in front.
Alexis Mac Allister had given the champions the lead, only for Dan Ndoye’s sublime effort to bring deserved parity for the Swiss.
But a controversial VAR check for mistaken identity proved decisive, with Breel Embolo handed a second yellow card for simulation and the Swiss forward could be seen leaving the pitch in tears with his side down a player for more than 45 minutes, including extra-time.
Argentina added some gloss to the scoreline after Alvarez’s strike in extra-time as Lautaro Martinez slotted home to confirm a mouthwatering semi-final against England on Wednesday. Follow all the reaction and analysis below:
Argentina v Switzerland - World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
- Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 AET to make World Cup semi-finals against England
- 120+2' GOAL! Martinez adds late third to confirm victory [ARG 3-1 SUI]
- 112' GOAL! Alvarez screamer puts Argentina on verge of semis [ARG 2-1 SUI]
- 72' RED CARD! Embolo sent off for simulation after mistaken identity VAR decision [ARG 1-1 SUI]
- 67' GOAL! Ndoye slots home deserved leveller for Switzerland [ARG 1-1 SUI]
- 10' GOAL! Mac Allister breaks deadlock with stunning header [ARG 1-0 SUI]
Top goalscorer race latest
05:34 , Jack Tanner
Well, Messi failed to grab a goal this morning - but an assist may help him in the race for the golden boot.
That is because assists are the first tie-breaker for players level on goals, just as France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are.
The contenders are as follows:
1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (2 assists)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)*
= 4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
= 4 Jude Bellingham (England, 6 goals (1 assist)
6. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)*
= 7. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)*
*Country has been eliminated
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race
Report: Argentina survive World Cup scare after Julian Alvarez screamer but major flaws offer England hope
05:33 , Jack Tanner
The Independent’s Richard Jolly is stateside - and pitch side- to provide us the full match report from Kansas after Argentina eventually defeated Switzerland 3-1 A.E.T.
Argentina survive World Cup scare but these major flaws offer England semi-final hope
05:27 , Jack Tanner
Interested in Argentina’s World Cup semi-final record?
They defeated the USA 6-1 in the final four of the first ever competition in 1930, and then 56 years later they defeated Belgium 2-0 at the Estadio Azteca to reach the 1986 final.
The following World Cup they beat hosts Italy on penalties 4-3 after a 1-1 draw, before going on to defeat further European opposition on penalties in the form of Netherlands in the 2014 edition.
En route to their 2022 success, Argentina cruised past Croatia 3-0.
So, their World Cup semi-final record reads:
P5 W5*
*Including wins on penalties
Argentina v England - an old rivalry reignited
05:20 , Jack Tanner
Argentina know their next opponent - England.
The two countries have met five times at the World Cup - with England winning on three occasions. Argentina, courtesy of Maradona magic and controversy, beat England in the quarter finals en route to victory in 1986, whilst 20 years prior, England beat Argentina before lifting the Jules Rimlet trophy in their own backyard.
Will one of the two go on to win another World Cup this summer?
There’s bad news for England fans - every time Argentina have reached the semi-finals, they’ve advanced to the final - as evidenced by 1930, 1986, 1990, 2014, and 2022.
Semi-finalists confirmed
05:10 , Jack Tanner
So, your final four in the World Cup 2026 are as follows:
France, Spain, England and Argentina.
France and Spain will meet on Tuesday, July 14, at 8pm BST, before England and Argentina lock horns on Wednesday, July 15, also at 8pm BST.
Interestingly, all four sides are currently ranked inside the top four of FIFA’s ranking.
For the first time, FIFA implemented seeding to keep the top four sides apart - and it appears to have worked.
WATCH: Martinez seals the win in extra time
05:10 , Jack Tanner
Lautaro Martinez with the icing on the cake for Argentina 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/7iHow8lZeK
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026
WATCH: Alvarez 'Golazo' that decided the tie
05:08 , Jack Tanner
What a way to win it 🔥
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026
Julian Alvarez beautifully fires Argentina into the lead in extra time... pic.twitter.com/gjwI0YYPV9
Argentina's passage to the semi-finals confirmed
04:48 , Jack Tanner
Full time: Argentina 3 - 1 Switzerland A.E.T
It took an extra 30 minutes against 10 men, but Argentina return for a sixth World Cup semi-final.
Not only have Argentina found a way to win again - but they found it without heavy involvement from talisman Messi, especially in extra time.
GOAL! LAUTARO MARTINEZ FINISHES THE GAME
04:44 , Jack Tanner
120+1 mins: Argentina 3 - 1 Switzerland
Lautaro Martinez sweeps up an Argentine counter to put this one to bed.
Almada does well to get the ball forward, beat on man, before the ball pops up for Martinez to slam home.
England v Argentina for a spot in the World Cup final. What a semi-final tie we have on our hands.
Four added minutes
04:43 , Jack Tanner
120+1 mins: Argentina 2 - 1 Switzerland
Four minutes at the end here. Surely there is no more drama in this World Cup quarter final?
Messi almost seals it
04:42 , Jack Tanner
119 mins: Argentina 2 - 1 Switzerland
On the counter, Messi has a shot blocked out for a corner. Messi had sold the goalie, meaning it was a vital intervention.
Jose Lopez becomes third Argentine sub booked
04:38 , Jack Tanner
115 mins: Argentina 2 - 1 Switzerland
Sub Lopez, who came on for Paredes, has been booked after a flare-up following that goal.
Switzerland make their final change, Vargas coming on for Freuler.
GOAL! ALVAREZ STUNNER SURELY WINS IT FOR ARGENTINA
04:36 , Jack Tanner
112 mins: Argentina 2 - 1 Switzerland
Messi has just tried his luck, and now Alvarez has a go - and what a go it is!
He curls into the top right from outside left of the box. A goal worthy of winning a World Cup quarter final.
Xhaka free-kick almost gives Switzerland a chance
04:30 , Jack Tanner
107 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
A free-kick just into the Argentine half, far out wide on the left, is whipped in by Xhaka. It evades the most dangerous red shirts, and is cleared by Argentina.
Otamendi introduced for Argentina
04:28 , Jack Tanner
106 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Otamendi comes on for Romero at the start of the fourth period. Is that an established phrase? Either way, the second half of extra time starts now.
'Argentina have done far too little with their man advantage'
04:25 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina have already had about 40 minutes against 10 men, including stoppage time, and done far too little with their man advantage.
Argentina corner to end first half of extra time
04:24 , Jack Tanner
105+1 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina have a corner to end the half - Messi finds the head of Romero, who nods over. The whistle goes for half-time.
Messi fires free-kick into the wall
04:21 , Jack Tanner
103 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Messi is felled for the first time, and he stands over the free-kick from a decent distance away.
He then proceeds to send the ball into the wall.
Quiet Messi performance
04:19 , Jack Tanner
100 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
This always should be caveated by the fact we’re basing it on his standards - and that he’s assisted the Argentina goal - but Messi is really struggling to make his mark here.
No recorded shots (his only effort ruled offside) and yet to have been fouled, Messi is on the periphery of this one.
Xhaka has a go
04:17 , Jack Tanner
99 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
A rare Swiss foray forward ends with Xhaka curling over the bar.
Lautaro Martinez booked
04:16 , Jack Tanner
98 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Lautaro Martinez becomes the second Argentine booked here, for his late slide on Akanji. Harmless challenge really.
Fifth sub for Switzerland
04:15 , Jack Tanner
96 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Zakaria makes way for Switzerland, with Jashari replacing the right-back.
Almada booked for stopping Swiss counter
04:14 , Jack Tanner
97 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Thiago Almada is getting involved here. He’s booked for stopping a Swiss counter.
Almada tricks crowd
04:14 , Jack Tanner
95 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
It wouldn’t be a World Cup without a side-netting shot tricking a nation into thinking their side has scored a crucial goal.
Almada’s powerful drive shakes the net - but only from the side.
Further sub for Argentina
04:11 , Jack Tanner
94 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
At the break Enzo Fernandez made way for Thiago Almada, who has just had a shot comfortably saved by Kobel.
Extra time begins
04:09 , Jack Tanner
91 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina get us started for the first half of extra time. The world champions already have a corner via a deflected shot.
Embolo red card biggest talking point
04:05 , Jack Tanner
The biggest talking point of the second half will be the fact that Breel Embolo saw red for a second yellow - awarded via ‘mistaken identity’ after his simulation had earned Paredes a booking.
That was overturned, Embolo shown yellow - and then quickly a red.
Breel Embolo in tears after Switzerland forward sent off after VAR decision
'Extra time, again'
04:04 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
So Switzerland, like Cape Verde, take Argentina to extra time. Even if they do win, will this cost them in the semi-final or final?
Full time - Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
04:04 , Jack Tanner
Full time: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina have been taken to extra time for a second time at this tournament. Good news for England - their semi-final opponents will also have to have played an extra 30 minutes.
Lisandro Martinez acrobatic effort
04:02 , Jack Tanner
90+9 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Messi’s corner is cleared towards Lisandro Martinez, who attempts an acrobatic kick that draws a good save out of Kobel in the Swiss goal.
Late corner for Argentina
04:02 , Jack Tanner
90+8 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina opened scores early with a corner, can they snatch this one with another?
Sub for Switzerland
03:59 , Jack Tanner
90+5 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Rodriguez makes way for Comert as 10-man Switzerland look to hold on to extra time.
Messi goes close
03:56 , Jack Tanner
90+2 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
At this point whenever Messi has a shot, we’re all expecting him to score. He wiggles free of his markers with a chop, before curling past the far post.
Nine added minutes
03:54 , Jack Tanner
90+1 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
We’re into the first of nine additional minutes, with an Argentina corner on the way. Will the reigning champions find a winner to avoid extra time?
Mac Allister goes close with another header!
03:53 , Jack Tanner
89 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Nico Gonzalez manages to slide in and hook a lost cause towards the back post - Mac Allister bullets a header past the far post. He wants a corner for a deflection - he might be right, but it will be a goal kick.
'Argentina uninspired'
03:53 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina still haven't had a shot on target since they scored. They have been uninspired.
More subs for both teams
03:51 , Jack Tanner
86 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina subs: Molina, De Paul off, Montiel, Lautaro Martinez on.
Switzerland subs: Ndoye, Rieder, Sow off, Amdouni, Widmer, Muheim on.
Messi has first shot of the game
03:49 , Jack Tanner
85 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Messi has his first shot of the game saved by Kobel. The offside flag erroneously goes up, with Messi released in behind and opting for a lofted finish, patted away by Kobel.
FLASHPOINT: Embolo's second yellow for simulation
03:48 , Jack Tanner
Final 10 minutes - we will see more late Argie drama?
03:45 , Jack Tanner
82 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Argentina yet to truly try and turn the screw after Switzerland went down to 10 men. They’re certainly enjoying more of the ball.
First sub of the game for Argentina
03:41 , Jack Tanner
78 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Nicolas Gonzalez on for Tagliafico - Argentina bringing on a midfielder for a defender.
Hydration break finally arrives
03:39 , Jack Tanner
75 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Much to the delight of all, I’m sure, the hydration break is here.
The Swiss might welcome the chance to regroup and reset after an emotional rollercoaster, but they’re currently using the break to remonstrate with the match official.
Manic five minutes for Switzerland
03:38 , Jack Tanner
74 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
From the high of equalising against the reigning champions, to the low of a red card. Embolo was very handy for the Swiss - but the footage heavily implies he dived there. Will Argentina make the most of the man advantage?
'Are you watching, Hossam Hassan?'
03:37 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Presumably Egypt manager Hossam Hassan, who said he would not watch another minute of this World Cup after decisions went against his side and for Argentina, did not see that. That said, Embolo did dive.
'Clear simulation' - Embolo sent off
03:36 , Jack Tanner
72 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
No foul for Paredes, ‘clear simulation’ according to match official Joao Pedro Silva Pinheiro.
Embolo is already booked - ironically for fouling Paredes.
The striker is in tears, beside himself in emotion.
VAR looks at potential dive from Embolo
03:34 , Jack Tanner
70 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
VAR believes Embolo has dived here. The footage doesn't look good for the Swiss striker; nor does the fact that he’s already on a booking.
'It had been coming'
03:34 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
That goal had been coming for Switzerland. Martinez had made two decent saves in the previous couple of minutes. Ndoye had been Switzerland's brightest attacker. Now he is their scorer.
Paredes booked after third foul
03:33 , Jack Tanner
69 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Paredes deemed to have clipped Embolo’s heels. It’s the Argentine’s third foul of the evening.
GOAL! NDOYE EQUALISES
03:32 , Jack Tanner
67 mins: Argentina 1 - 1 Switzerland
Forget that hydration break, we’ll pause the action to celebrate a goal! Ndoye has looked like Switzerland’s most dangerous player, and that has proven to the case. A one-two with Rodriguez unleashes Ndoye down the left byline, and the winger slots through the legs of Emi Martinez to restore parity.
Xhaka drive met by Martinez
03:30 , Jack Tanner
66 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Granit Xhaka the latest Swiss player to try his luck and come up short against Martinez. The midfielder’s snapshot is met by Martinez, who picks up the loose ball before geeing up the crowd. The Swiss might fear the incoming hydration break...
Latest Martinez save keeps Switzerland at bay
03:29 , Jack Tanner
65 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
That Switzerland corner came to nothing, but the team in red simply recycled possession and kept it until a chance presented itself.
Ndoye forces a save out of Martinez.
'If only Manzambi was fit...'
03:28 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
One of the questions is how different Switzerland would have been if Johan Manzambi had been fit. Given how rare World Cup quarter-finals are for them, his absence is a cruel blow.
Swiss counter produces a corner
03:27 , Jack Tanner
63 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Messi’s deep free-kick leads to a Swiss counter, Embolo striding forward. He pokes the ball through to Ndoye, who wins a corner.
Embolo header draws diving save from Martinez
03:24 , Jack Tanner
60 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Rodriguez whips in a nice ball from the left, with Embolo rising highest to nod towards the left corner. He does well, but can’t get enough power or pace to guide the ball past Martinez - who is at full, but comfortable, stretch to catch the ball.
Switzerland overwork chance
03:19 , Jack Tanner
55 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Switzerland’s most dangerous moments aren’t ending up with a shot at goal. Again they turn the ball over high, recycling possession out wide before the cross comes to Ndoye at the back post. He knocks it down for Xhaka, who can’t control it - back to Ndoye, who can’t get a shot off. Frustrating for the Swiss.
'Duality of Martinez'
03:27 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
We have seen both sides of Lisandro Martinez as a defender in this game. He was at fault when Embolo had a first-half chance of sorts and Argentina's rescuer when Dan Ndoye was about to let fly a couple of minutes back.
Game livening up
03:15 , Jack Tanner
52 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
I might have complained about a lack of shots in the first period. We’ve already had four in six second-half minutes. Another Argentina corner now.
Huge chance goes begging for Switzerland
03:14 , Jack Tanner
50 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
What a block from Lisandro Martinez. Long ball up to Embolo, who cuts it back to Ndoye on the 2v1. Martinez comes across to block what would be a close-range effort.
Molina snapshot well wide
03:13 , Jack Tanner
50 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Lovely ball from Messi releases Molina, who opts for a shot outside the box. It goes wide at a slow pace - wrong option.
Early second-half effort for Switzerland
03:11 , Jack Tanner
47 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Reider has had a go from long-range - it is deflected, ballooning into the air, and is caught well by Emi Martinez.
Argentina to restart play for the second half
03:08 , Jack Tanner
Second-half: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Hopefully we see a bit more goalmouth action in the second period!
Low on shots in Kansas
03:06 , Jack Tanner
Just the six shots so far in Argentina v Switzerland - three apiece for each side, who also have one effort on target each as well.
Worryingly, we haven’t seen a shot at goal since the 20th minute. Not exactly the excitement you need to stay awake for a 2am kick-off!
Who?
03:05 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
We have just had a half-time show from a man called Tech N9ne. Although I presume that is not his real name.
Half-time whistle blows with Argentina ahead
02:53 , Jack Tanner
Half-time: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Hardly a classic, but Argentina won’t mind that after their recent pulsating encounters with Cape Verde and Egypt.
Switzerland just can’t quite find the final ball or option, and that will always limit a side.
Stoppage time flies by
02:51 , Jack Tanner
45+3 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
We’ve been treated to a few more fouls in the middle of the park as we march towards half-time. Argentina comfortable with the pace of this game.
'Change of pace for Argentina'
02:51 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina's last two games have been epics of entertainment. And this, so far, has not been. But they are 45 minutes away from a date with England in Atlanta. They would settle for a rather dull second half, too.
Argentina fume over Embolo tackle
02:47 , Jack Tanner
44 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Embolo was certainly clumsy on Paredes, and he is shown a yellow card for his challenge - after Argentina crowd the referee. Borderline booking for a late and high, yet not super dangerous, challenge.
Swiss waste free-kick in dangerous area
02:46 , Jack Tanner
43 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Freuler lofts the ball over everybody in the Argentine box, meaning it is an Argentina goal kick.
Swiss free-kick in dangerous area
02:45 , Jack Tanner
42 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Although Sow is moving away from goal, Paredes swoops in and fails to win the ball, just outside the box on the flank.
Free-kick for Switzerland in a crossing position.
Stop-start affair
02:44 , Jack Tanner
41 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Approaching half-time here and the game has devolved into a series of soft fouls and free-kicks.
An Embolo mistake almost lets Argentina in, but their attack comes to nothing.
Another hydration break shake-up
02:37 , Jack Tanner
34 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Throughout this tournament we’ve seen games flipped on their heads after hydration breaks, artificial breaks changing the momentum of a match.
It’s happened here, with more Swiss possession after the break. They’ve just had a corner, albeit one that didn’t amount to much.
'Warning shot from Switzerland'
02:37 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina have looked comfortable in possession so far but that was something of a warning shot from Embolo - even if it didn't have an actual shot...
Chance for Switzerland
02:34 , Jack Tanner
32 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Almost an opportunity for Switzerland one-on-one - Embolo nudged away from shooting by Lisandro Martinez.
PICS: Argentina's dream start to quarter-final clash
02:33 , Jack Tanner
Ndoye the spark for Switzerland?
02:31 , Jack Tanner
28 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Ndoye has just skipped past a few Argentine defenders, but can’t move the ball on before being dispossessed. He’s looking like Switzerland’s best hope of creating something currently.
Back underway in the first half
02:30 , Jack Tanner
27 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
We’re hydrated again, so the football can restart. Switzerland have yet to switch from probing attacks to moves with substance.
WATCH: Argentina take the lead in Kansas
02:27 , Jack Tanner
It's advantage Argentina as Alexis Mac Allister heads his nation into an early lead 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/kQ5pyxDzuE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026
Hydration break halts action
02:26 , Jack Tanner
23 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Well, this one hasn’t caught alight since Mac Allister opened scores in the 10th minute.
The hydration break likely won’t help matters - or maybe it will allow Switzerland to regroup.
Argentina boosted by taking the lead
02:21 , Jack Tanner
18 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Argentina looking more comfortable after that early goal. After their escapades against Egypt, a more comfortable game is exactly what the doctor ordered - but have Switzerland got a response a la Cape Verde up their sleeves?
'Messi's corners are better than his penalties'
02:14 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
A third consecutive game in which Messi's corners have brought Argentina a goal. His corners are better than his penalties right now.
GOAL! MAC ALLISTER HEADS HOME
02:14 , Jack Tanner
10 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
And we have lift off in Kansas! Messi’s second corner in quick succession finds Mac Allister again - he flicks towards goal and past Kobel to open scores inside 10 minutes.
Messi coming to life
02:12 , Jack Tanner
9 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Messi has been welcomed into the game, Argentina getting the ball to their magician on the right. His latest dribble tees up a Mac Allister shot, blocked for a corner.
Messi’s set-piece is flicked on and out for another corner.
Switzerland pressuring Argentine defence
02:10 , Jack Tanner
6 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Switzerland getting plenty of joy early on, pressing the Argentina backline into turnovers.
However, despite winning the ball close to goal, the Swiss have been unable to create any proper shooting opportunities.
Argentina aiming for Alvarez as an outlet
02:07 , Jack Tanner
4 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Emi Martinez is punting balls over the top for Julian Alvarez to chase in the opening stages here.
We're underway in the last quarter final
02:04 , Jack Tanner
Kick-off: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Here we go in Kansas! The final semi-final spot is up for grabs.
'Surprise to see empty seats'
02:04 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
There are some empty seats, high up at the back of the stand behind the goal Switzerland are defending. Which is interesting, especially given what a hot ticket Argentina are.
Moment's silence for Jayden Adams
02:02 , Jack Tanner
Just like in the Norway v England game, we will have a moment’s silence for South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away yesterday.
Adams made three appearances at this very World Cup.
Anthem time
01:55 , Jack Tanner
The teams emerge onto the pitch in Kansas. Time to sing both countries’ national anthems, and then we can get stuck into the final quarter final of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina and Switzerland meet for a third time at the World Cup
01:48 , Jack Tanner
Argentina and Switzerland have met twice at the World Cup over the years - unsurprisingly, the Swiss have lost both times.
Interestingly, Switzerland’s last game at the 1966 and 2014 World Cup game against Argentina.
The Swiss lost all three group games in ‘66, including a 2-0 loss to Argentina in the final match.
In 2014 the Argentines directly knocked out their Swiss counterparts, requiring extra time in a 1-0 win en route to the final in Brazil.
Switzerland hoping to make history
01:45 , Jack Tanner
It’s not all about Argentina, of course, with Switzerland proving they can navigate knockout football.
However, the Swiss aren’t used to going deep into the World Cup - they’ve already matched their best run of reaching the quarter-finals.
Victory tonight would book a place in the final four for the first time.
Argentina hoping to become the third country to defend their World Cup crown
01:37 , Jack Tanner
Argentina hope to become the first team since arch-rivals Brazil in 1958 & 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
Argentina have come close to the feat before - winning in 1986 before reaching the final in 1990. However, they lost 1-0 to West Germany, and had to wait 32 years until they added a third star to their chest.
Will the Argentinians be sporting a fourth star later this month?
Argentina and Switzerland now know their prize for victory - England in the semis
01:33 , Jack Tanner
We’re onto the second quarter final of the evening/morning, and the final last eight game.
Argentina and Switzerland know that victory in Kansas will be rewarded with a semi-final against England.
Read about England’s 2-1 A.E.T win over Norway via Miguel Delaney’s match report from Miami.
Bellingham brings clarity to carry England into World Cup semi-finals
Centre-midfield the key area in Kansas City?
01:33 , Jack Rathborn
Argentina are loading the centre-midfield area again; Lionel Messi will have the legs behind him to outwork Switzerland, should they not use the ball out wide.
Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes provide plenty of strength and stamina in there.
Maybe they lack variety though?
Argentine love
01:23 , Will Castle
An unlikely second home for Argentina
01:11 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium
Here’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Kansas City has looked decidedly blue and white over the last couple of days - perhaps over the last month, too - but it has been full of Argentina fans. If few expected Switzerland to get this far, that may be why there don't seem to be too many Swiss here. As this huge ground fills up, it is looking like a home match in Missouri for Argentina.
Confirmed line-ups
01:02 , Will Castle
Argentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez.
Switzerland XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Rieder, Sow, Ndoye; Embolo.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup?
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:50 , Jack Rathborn
Yellow cards reset after the group stages and the quarter-finals, so a booking in the semi-finals, after a second clean slate, would not rule a player out of the final, regardless of what happened in their previous knockout games.
The suspension lasts just one game, so if a player were booked in the last 32 and last 16, they would miss a quarter-final; or if they were booked in the last 32/last 16 and the quarter-finals, they would miss a semi-final.
Argentina
Gonzalo Montiel
Switzerland
Miro Muheim
Denis Zakaria
Granit Xhaka
Argentina fans take over Kansas City before quarter-final v Switzerland
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:30 , Jack Rathborn
Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina playing for a semifinal spot in Ted Lasso's hometown?
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:22 , Jack Rathborn
You'd better BELIEVE he's paying attention.
The fictional coach of soccer club AFC Richmond — or rather, Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character on the Apple TV series — was hosting a watch party at CPKC Stadium near downtown Kansas City on Saturday night, when La Albiceleste were playing upstart Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in their quest for back-to-back championships.
The fourth season of the comedy-drama, which has been on hiatus since May 31, 2023, is due to premiere on Aug. 5.
“As much as we've loved football before we got started, I've grown to love it more as we got more immersed in the soccer culture,” said Sudeikis, who grew up in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, and still has a deep affinity for the city. In fact, many of the scenes in the new season of “Ted Lasso” were shot around Kansas City.
That includes riverfront CPKC Stadium, the home of the National Women's Soccer League club Kansas City Current. It's the first of its size built specifically for a women's professional club, and a fitting locale for several thousand people to attend a watch party, given that the new season of “Ted Lasso” will focus on the newly formed AFC Richmond women's team.
It was a concept that the character Keeley Jones — played by the award-winning Juno Temple — subtly pitched at the end of the third season, when it was still unclear whether “Ted Lasso” would return for another run.
“It feels like a perfect moment to be talking about women's football, and representing it — not that I play, obviously,” said Temple, who sported a teal Kansas City Current jersey Saturday. “So that's first and foremost. I hope that's something people really treasure. And I also hope people enjoy the journey each of the characters are going on.”
Kansas City brings curtain down on World Cup festival
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:21 , Jack Rathborn
As Kansas City prepared to bring the curtain down on its World Cup on Saturday, local organisers were already reflecting on a month that put the Midwestern city on the global stage.
Kansas City has been host to six `games including a round-of-16 match and Saturday's quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. But the tournament's legacy will be measured as much by the supporters who adopted the city as their temporary home.
The city welcomed large followings from several nations, including Algeria, whose fans spilled across neighbouring Lawrence, Kansas, where the North African team made their base camp. A sea of Netherlands orange marched through downtown streets before turning parts of the city centre into a Dutch carnival.
Supporters from Argentina, Switzerland, Colombia and `others packed fan zones, bars and public squares over the past month, transforming the self-styled "Soccer Capital of America" into a meeting place for the world and giving residents a rare chance to experience the World Cup's unique blend of sport, culture `and community on their own doorstep. "The last month has been very special for Kansas City to have a chance to be on the international stage," Clark Hunt, honorary co-chair of the KC 2026 board and chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, told reporters.
"Getting to see fans from all around the world coming to Kansas City to cheer on their teams ... has been amazing." Hunt said he hoped the city would have the chance to welcome the tournament back one day.
"If we have the opportunity to bid, we'll do it," he said. For KC 2026 Chief Executive Pam Kramer, the tournament's legacy will extend beyond football.
"We've proven we can handle the biggest sporting competition in the world," she said, adding that the World Cup had showcased Kansas City as a destination for business, investment and new residents.
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
