​Another Albiceleste night, another victory for Argentina. The reigning world champions secured a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals with a 3-1 extra-time triumph over Switzerland after a tightly contested match that remained finely balanced until the second period of extra time. Two Inter players stood out: Lautaro Martínez came off the bench to score Argentina’s third goal, while Manuel Akanji played the full 120 minutes, delivering an outstanding defensive showing.
In Kansas City, the final quarter-final of the tournament began with a burst of early tempo from Argentina. La Selección broke the deadlock in the 10th minute when Mac Allister headed home a superb Lionel Messi corner, the captain recording his tenth World Cup assist. Argentina dominated possession and controlled the pace, rarely troubled by a well-organised Swiss side. After the break, Switzerland raised their levels and equalised in the 67th minute through Ndoye, who timed his run into the box to perfection and finished neatly after a one-two with Rodríguez. The Swiss grew more confident, and Emiliano Martínez was forced into a couple of crucial saves, but the game swung in the 72nd minute when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following a VAR review, leaving Switzerland with ten men.
Sensing an opportunity, Lionel Scaloni shuffled his pieces to add more firepower. After introducing Nico González, he also brought on Lautaro Martínez in the 85th minute. The Inter captain immediately anchored himself inside the penalty area, posed constant threats to the Swiss defence, and added further attacking impetus alongside Julián Álvarez. Lautaro found himself involved in several physical duels with fellow Inter player Akanji, who continued to deliver a superb defensive shift. Neither side could break the deadlock in regulation time, pushing the match into extra time.
Argentina pressed relentlessly but struggled to carve out clear chances against Kobel, and it seemed destined for a shootout until the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez curled a spectacular strike from the edge of the box into the top corner. The goal suggested Argentina were on the cusp of victory, even as Switzerland abandoned their defensive posture in search of an equaliser. That rash shift opened the door for a decisive counter-attack in stoppage time of extra time. Lautaro Martínez won possession near the halfway line and released Almada through on goal. The Atlético Madrid midfielder’s attempt was saved by Kobel, but the rebound fell kindly to Lautaro, who tucked the ball home to make it 3-1, triggering wild celebrations among the Argentine players and supporters.
Argentina have now become the final team to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals. On Wednesday, 15 July at 21:00 CEST in Atlanta, La Albiceleste will face England in a clash that promises to be both prestigious and highly anticipated, with a place in the World Cup Final on Sunday, 19 July at stake. This victory underscored Argentina’s resolve and depth, highlighting the impact of Inter players Martínez and Akanji on the broader campaign, while also showcasing the tactical acumen of Scaloni and the resilience of a team that continues to defy expectations on football’s biggest stage.