World football champions Argentina continue their title defense. In the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals, Messi and company beat Switzerland 3-1 in extra time, with the Swiss playing a man down. On July 15 in Atlanta, the Argentines will face England for a spot in the final; England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time in the night match. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Match Overview

Quarterfinal, July 12, Kansas City, Arrowhead Stadium

**Argentina – Switzerland** 3:1 a.e.t. (1:0, 0:1, 2:0)

Goals: Mac Allister 10 (1:0), N'Doye 67 (1:1), Álvarez 112 (2:1), Martínez 120+1 (3:1).

Red card: Embolo (Switzerland) 71' (second yellow).

Match Details

Argentina had not scored so quickly at the 2026 World Cup before. In the opening match against Algeria, Lionel Messi scored in the 17th minute. Alexis Mac Allister beat the Swiss in the 10th minute.

Messi was involved, of course. The Albiceleste captain took two corner kicks for the Liverpool midfielder, from the right and left flanks. On the second attempt, the Argentine of Scottish descent headed the ball into the net of Dortmund's Gregor Kobel – 1:0.

Recovering from the shock, Murat Yakin's men followed the path of Cape Verde and Egypt. The Europeans created many chances at Emiliano Martínez's goal. In particular, the Aston Villa goalkeeper worked hard in the 32nd minute, cleanly taking the ball from Rennes striker Breel Embolo in a one-on-one situation.

Embolo's 'star moment' came after the break. Having already received a yellow card in the first half, the 29-year-old Cameroon native got a second booking in the 71st minute for simulation. Referee João Pinheiro, impressed by his acting, initially showed a yellow card to Leandro Paredes. VAR corrected the Portuguese's decision. The Argentine was exonerated. Embolo was sent off early, leaving his team a man down.

By then the score was already level. The Swiss's dangerous approaches turned into quality in the 67th minute. Nottingham Forest's Dan N'Doye, playing a one-two with Betis's Ricardo Rodríguez, shot point-blank into Martínez's net with the Argentine defense completely passive – 1:1.

Until the end of regular time, the 'white and blues' could not capitalize on the man advantage despite all efforts from Messi and company. However, in extra time, the Argentines finally broke down the stubborn opponents. In the 112th minute, Julián Álvarez produced a superb strike. The Atlético forward from the left flank sent the ball just inside the far post – 2:1. Inter's Lautaro Martínez put the final touch in stoppage time of extra time – 3:1.

Having beaten the team with a white cross on their flag, the world champions now face a red cross. The classic England vs. Argentina rivalry, worthy of a final, will take place on the road to the tournament's main match.

Other Quarterfinal Results

  • 01South Africa – Canada 0:1
  • 02Brazil – Japan 2:1
  • 03Germany – Paraguay 1:1 (3:4 pens)
  • 04Netherlands – Morocco 1:1 (2:3 pens)
  • 05Ivory Coast – Norway 1:2
  • 06France – Sweden 3:0
  • 07Mexico – Ecuador 2:0
  • 08England – DR Congo 2:1
  • 09Belgium – Senegal 3:2
  • 10USA – Bosnia and Herzegovina 2:0
  • 11Spain – Austria 3:0
  • 12Portugal – Croatia 2:1
  • 13Switzerland – Algeria 2:0
  • 14Australia – Egypt 1:1 (2:4 pens)
  • 15Argentina – Cape Verde 3:2 a.e.t.
  • 16Colombia – Ghana 1:0

About the Tournament

The 23rd World Cup final tournament started on June 11. The global football forum is being held for the first time in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and for the first time features 48 teams.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced. After three knockout rounds, four contenders remain for the main trophy – France, Spain, England, and Argentina. These teams will play the maximum possible number of matches at the 2026 World Cup – eight each.

The 2026 World Cup concludes on the night of July 19-20 with the final match in New York.