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[SPORTS] · Argentina, Switzerland, United States, United Kingdom · 100 sources

Argentina reaches World Cup semifinal after 3‑1 extra‑time win over Switzerland

Argentina defeated Switzerland 3‑1 after extra time in the quarter‑final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup held in Kansas City, securing a place in the semifinal against England in Atlanta. Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring in the 10th minute from a Lionel Messi corner. Switzerland equalised in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye. In the second half of extra time Julian Álvarez struck in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martínez added a late goal (120+1) to seal the victory.

The match was marked by a controversial VAR decision: Swiss striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation after the referee’s original warning to Argentine midfielder Leandro Paredes was overturned, leaving Switzerland with ten men. Swiss coach Murat Yakin condemned the rule change as “unacceptable” and said it destroyed his team’s momentum.

Security measures for the upcoming semifinal were tightened in Atlanta due to historic tensions between Argentine and English fans. The result also generated discussion about player celebrations, with fans questioning Lautaro Martínez’s yellow‑card status after scoring.

Argentina’s victory continues a pattern of narrow extra‑time wins in the tournament, while Switzerland’s first‑ever World Cup quarter‑final appearance since 1954 ends in disappointment.

Sources

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