Washington, July 12 (SANA) Argentina booked their place in the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a dramatic quarterfinal at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday.
Argentina took an early lead through Alexis Mac Allister, who headed home a Lionel Messi corner in the 10th minute.
Switzerland responded with an improved display and drew level in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye finished a well-worked move after combining with Ricardo Rodriguez.
The match turned in Argentina’s favor midway through the second half when Switzerland were reduced to 10 men. Striker Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow card for simulation after a video assistant referee (VAR) review overturned an earlier booking issued to Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Despite Switzerland’s resilient defending, Argentina capitalized on their numerical advantage in extra time. Julian Alvarez restored the lead in the 112th minute with a long-range strike from outside the penalty area before Lautaro Martinez sealed the victory on a late counterattack.
The result sends the defending world champions into the World Cup semifinals, where they will face England, who earlier defeated Norway 2-1 after extra time.
N.J/ABD
