Argentina defeats Switzerland 3-1 in World Cup 2026 quarter‑final

Argentina beat Switzerland 3‑1 to advance to the semi‑finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Messi scored as part of a dominant Argentine attack that continued their unbeaten run in the tournament.

All Argentine players wore black armbands on their right sleeves to honour the late Antonio Rattín, the former Boca Juniors midfielder and 1966 World Cup captain who died on 11 July at 89. The gesture recalled Rattín’s historic protest in the 1966 quarter‑final against England, an incident that helped prompt FIFA’s adoption of the yellow‑ and red‑card system.

A minute of silence was also observed for South African midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away on the same day. The match highlighted Argentina’s resilience after their dramatic comeback against Egypt in the round of 16, while Switzerland’s disciplined defence fell short despite a strong tournament performance.