Argentina must work harder to secure a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after being held to a 1-1 draw by Switzerland at the end of regulation time in their quarterfinal match at Kansas City Stadium, United States, on Sunday (July 12, 2026) morning WIB. The match therefore proceeded to extra time.
Argentina took the lead in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister. The Liverpool midfielder scored with a header from a Lionel Messi corner kick that Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel failed to deal with.
After falling behind, Switzerland increased the intensity of its attacks throughout the second half. Murat Yakin’s side created several chances, including a header from Dan Ndoye in the 65th minute, which was brilliantly saved by Emiliano Martinez.
The Swiss pressure finally paid off two minutes later. Dan Ndoye equalized in the 67th minute after receiving a pass from Ricardo Rodriguez before firing a right-footed shot from a tight angle that beat Emiliano Martinez.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute, when Switzerland was reduced to 10 men. Breel Embolo was sent off after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review determined that the striker had simulated a foul in an attempt to win a free kick.
The referee had initially shown a yellow card to Leandro Paredes, but the decision was overturned before Embolo received his second yellow card, resulting in a red card.
With a numerical advantage, Argentina immediately intensified its attacks for the remainder of the match. Lionel Messi and his teammates continuously pressured the Swiss defense, which opted to sit deep in an effort to force the game into extra time.
Argentina’s best chance came in the 89th minute. Nicolas Gonzalez delivered a cross that was met by a close-range header from Alexis Mac Allister, but the effort narrowly missed the target.
During stoppage time, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni introduced Lautaro Martinez, Gonzalo Montiel, and Nicolas Gonzalez to strengthen the attack. Switzerland responded by bringing on Zeki Amdouni, Miro Muheim, and Eray Comert to reinforce its defense.
Argentina came agonizingly close to scoring the winner in the 90+9th minute. Following another Messi corner, a loose ball fell to Lisandro Martinez, who attempted an acrobatic bicycle kick inside the penalty area. However, Gregor Kobel produced a spectacular one-handed save to deny the effort.
When the referee blew the final whistle at the end of regulation time, the score remained 1-1.
Despite playing with 10 men from the 72nd minute onward, Switzerland successfully held on for the draw, forcing defending champions Argentina into extra time to determine who would claim a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals.***
