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Atlético Madrid forward Julian Alvarez unleashed a breathtaking extra-time strike to propel Argentina past 10-man Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday, setting up a highly anticipated World Cup semi-final against arch-rivals England.
A heavily partisan Argentine crowd at Kansas City’s Arrowhead Stadium erupted early in the 10th minute when Alexis Mac Allister headed home a Lionel Messi corner.
Though Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland midway through the second half, the Swiss team suffered a massive blow just five minutes later when the referee dismissed Breel Embolo for simulation following a VAR check.
The resilient Swiss defence successfully repelled wave after wave of Argentine attacks, forcing extra time.
However, Alvarez finally shattered their resistance in the 112th minute by curling a magnificent shot into the top corner before Lautaro Martinez added a late third goal to seal the victory.
The triumph extends defending champions Argentina’s unbeaten World Cup run to 12 matches as they look to become the first country to retain the crown since Brazil in 1962.
Coach Lionel Scaloni admitted his squad suffered against the physical Swiss side but praised their persistence.
The hard-fought victory ensures that the world’s top four-ranked teams will contest the 2026 semi-finals.
Argentina now shift their focus to Wednesday’s showdown in Atlanta against Thomas Tuchel’s England, renewing a legendary World Cup rivalry famously defined by the 1982 Falklands War and Diego Maradona’s iconic performance in 1986.
