​Manchester United defender Lisandro Martínez has reached the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Argentina’s dramatic 3-1 victory over Switzerland on Saturday, July 11. The left-footed centre-back has been crucial for the reigning champions throughout the tournament, featuring in five of the six matches so far. Martínez has largely stayed fit this year and played a pivotal role in United’s march to a top-three finish in the Premier League last season. He previously endured an ACL injury in February of the previous year, which sidelined him for most of the first half of the 2025/26 campaign. Since his return in November, the Argentine has been outstanding for the club and has continued that high level at the World Cup in Qatar and now in North America.
In this tournament, Martínez helped Argentina to keep clean sheets in the opening two group-stage games before he was rested for the third match against Jordan. He was exceptional in the 3-2 win over Cabo Verde and again looked sharp in the tight 3-2 comeback victory over Egypt. It was no surprise that he retained his place in the starting XI for the Switzerland clash, as head coach Lionel Scaloni named an unchanged lineup.
Switzerland began on the front foot, but Argentina struck first in the 10th minute through Alexis Mac Allister. The Swiss, though, did not relent and continued to test the defending champions. Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye levelled, only for disaster to strike five minutes later when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation. The Swiss pushed the match into extra time and even looked to be holding firm in the first half of stoppage time.
The tide turned in the 112th minute when Julián Álvarez produced a moment of brilliance to put Argentina back in front. Lautaro Martínez, who had come on for Rodrigo De Paul in the 85th minute, then wrapped up the victory in the first minute of stoppage time, sealing a 3-1 win for La Albiceleste. Argentina’s win set up a semi-final clash against England at Atlanta Stadium on Wednesday, July 15.
Martínez’s continued influence at United was evident once again, reinforcing why he remains a central figure for the club next season. The 26-year-old has consistently been involved in Argentina’s matches, and his performance against Switzerland underscored his importance. He finished the game with 97 touches, the second-most on the team behind Leandro Paredes and Lionel Messi, and completed 77 passes with an 84% success rate. He attempted seven long balls, with one finding its target, and showcased impressive footwork throughout the match.
Defensively, Martínez was solid, recording two clearances, four tackles, and one interception. He also produced a crucial last-man tackle, demonstrating his composure and timing under pressure. In a World Cup campaign marked by Argentina’s resilience and tactical discipline, Martínez’s contributions have been vital to their progression to the semi-finals and their hopes of lifting the trophy once more. As the tournament advances, all eyes will remain on how Martínez and his United colleagues adapt to the demands of the knockout stage and pursue football’s ultimate prize.