Argentina 3-1 Switzerland highlights, FIFA World Cup quarterfinal: Argentina into semis, set up clash vs England

The 48-team tournament has been whittled down to a final four of pure footballing royalty, setting up two massive blockbusters that pit the clinical precision of Europe against the flair and unyielding passion of South America.

Dallas will bear witness to a relentless tactical battle as an electric, star-studded France tries to break through Spain’s fluid, possession-heavy chokehold.

In Atlanta, a classic, high-octane feud takes center stage as a resilient England lineup faces off against the tournament's absolute benchmark, Argentina.

Semifinal 1: France vs Spain

Date: Wednesday, 15 July 2026

Kickoff Time: 12:30 AM IST

Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas

Semifinal 2: England vs Argentina

Date: Thursday, 16 July 2026

Kickoff Time: 12:30 AM IST

Venue: Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia

It took 120 exhausting minutes, but the defending champions are through. Switzerland, down to 10 men after Breel Embolo's controversial dismissal, dug in heroically and looked set to drag Argentina to penalties before Julian Alvarez produced a moment of magic in extra time. Lautaro Martinez then wrapped it up on the break deep into stoppage time as Lionel Scaloni's side booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals, where England await in a blockbuster last-four showdown.

Game. Set. Semi-final.

Argentina finish the job on the counter. Julián Álvarez wins possession deep inside his own half before Thiago Almada surges forward, skips past Ardon Jashari and is denied by Gregor Kobel. The rebound, though, falls perfectly for Lautaro Martínez, who has the simplest of tasks to tap into an empty net and make it 3-1.

After 120 minutes of hard work, Argentina can finally breathe easy.

Lionel Messi almost puts the tie beyond doubt. The Argentina captain glides into the box with trademark close control before firing a low effort towards the far corner, but Granit Xhaka throws himself in the way to make a crucial block and concede a corner.

WHAT A GOAL! Argentina have finally found the breakthrough, and it's an absolute stunner from Julian Alvarez.

Substitute Jose Lopez does brilliantly to tee up the Manchester City forward, who cuts inside from the left edge of the box before curling an unstoppable effort into the top corner. Gregor Kobel is left rooted to the spot as the ball kisses the side-netting on its way in.

With just minutes remaining, Argentina lead 2-1 and have one foot in the World Cup semi-finals.

Lionel Scaloni rolls the dice once more. José López is introduced in place of Leandro Paredes, a clear signal that Argentina are pushing for a winner rather than settling for penalties.

Switzerland remind Argentina they're still in this contest despite being down to 10 men. Granit Xhaka whips a teasing free-kick towards the near post, but Cédric Comert can't stretch enough to make contact before Lautaro Martinez hacks the danger clear.

Argentina make their final change before the second period of extra time, with Nicolás Otamendi replacing Cristian Romero at the heart of defence. Fresh legs at the back for Lionel Scaloni's side as they chase a semi-final place against England.

Half-time in extra time, and somehow it's still 1-1. Argentina have dominated proceedings against a 10-man Switzerland, but Gregor Kobel and a stubborn Swiss defence continue to frustrate Lionel Messi and company. With just 15 minutes left, penalties are looming unless one side can finally find the breakthrough.

Just one minute has been added at the end of the first period of extra time. Argentina continue to dominate possession against the 10-man Swiss, but Gregor Kobel and his defence are still holding the line.

The stadium rises in anticipation as Lionel Messi stands over a free-kick in his favourite territory, but Switzerland stand firm. The Argentine captain's powerful strike crashes straight into the wall, leaving the deadlock intact.

This is the moment Argentina wanted. Zeki Amdouni clips Lionel Messi just after the captain releases the ball, and the referee pulls play back for a free-kick around 30 yards out, slightly right of centre. It's a familiar position for Messi... and Switzerland hold their breath.

The Albiceleste continue to edge closer to another World Cup milestone. Since their shock defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022, Argentina are now unbeaten in their last 11 World Cup matches (9 wins, 2 draws), their longest unbeaten streak in tournament history.

Switzerland finally carve out a shooting chance, but Granit Xhaka can't keep his effort down. Jashari's cutback finds the skipper on the edge of the box, only for his first-time strike to sail comfortably over Emiliano Martínez's goal.

Tempers are beginning to fray. Lautaro Martinez becomes the latest name in the referee's notebook, picking up a yellow as Argentina's desperation to find a winner starts spilling over.

Thiago Almada wastes no time earning a booking. The Argentine substitute cynically hauls down Remo Freuler near the halfway line to halt a rare Swiss break and is shown a yellow card.

Switzerland are forced into another change as Denis Zakaria, who has covered every blade of grass tonight, limps off exhausted. Ardon Jashari is thrown into the action as the Swiss look to survive with 10 men.

So close for Thiago Almada! Cutting in from the left, the substitute curls a low effort beyond Gregor Kobel's reach, only to watch it ripple the side-netting.

Argentina are cranking up the pressure as Switzerland continue to hang on.

The task is only getting tougher for Switzerland. Down to 10 men and fresh off a gruelling Round of 16 that went the distance against Colombia, Murat Yakin's side are beginning to feel the strain.

Argentina, who wrapped up their last-16 tie in normal time, look the fresher outfit as extra time wears on.