Argentina will face England in the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic victory over Switzerland in sweltering Kansas City.
Julian Alvarez settled a controversial match in extra time with a moment of brilliance, curling an unstoppable 25-yard effort past Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel to set up the meeting with Thomas Tuchel’s side.
It was heartbreak for Switzerland, which 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 halfway 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.
Argentina may have anticipated a cruise to the last four when Alexis Mac Allister flicked home Lionel Messi’s corner at the near post with just 10 minutes gone.
But they failed to press their advantage, and Switzerland built into the game before Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye struck after 67 minutes.
Ndoye cut in from the left, played a one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez and tucked his finish through the legs of Emiliano Martinez.
But Argentina assumed dominance after the Embolo red, and after long periods of struggle were blessed by Alvarez’s moment of genius.
Switzerland pushed for a second leveller, but they were caught on the counter, and Lautaro Martinez slotted home as Argentina kept their bid for back-to-back World Cups alive.
