Argentina’s passage to the semi-finals confirmed
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:48
GOAL! LAUTARO MARTINEZ FINISHES THE GAME
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:44
Four added minutes
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?
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:43
Messi almost seals it
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:42
Jose Lopez becomes third Argentine sub booked
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:38
GOAL! ALVAREZ STUNNER SURELY WINS IT FOR ARGENTINA
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.
(Getty)
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:36
Xhaka free-kick almost gives Switzerland a chance
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:30
Otamendi introduced for Argentina
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:28
‘Argentina have done far too little with their man advantage’
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.
Richard Jolly at Kansas City Stadium12 July 2026 04:25
Argentina corner to end first half of extra time
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.
Jack Tanner12 July 2026 04:24
