Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterIt wasnt easy. It wasnt pretty. And it certainly wont help quiet the conspiracy theories. But Argentina made it six wins from six at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Switzerland 3-1 in a feisty night in Kansas City.We fought until the end and left it all out on the pitch, were scoring goals at the end of matches, so as long as we keep winning, its all positive, stated Julin lvarez after the match."Obviously you have to suffer - you have to know how to suffer. That's how the matches are playing out right now."Argentina had to 'suffer' to book semi-final spot with EnglandAfter three straight matches in Vancouver which culminated in a penalty shootout win versus Colombia, Switzerland faced off against an Argentina side coming off the back of from two heart-palpitating victories against Cape Verde and Egypt.When Alexis Mac Allister headed home from Lionel Messis corner kick in the 10th minute, it seemed that the Albiceleste were headed for a straightforward affair. But Switzerland had other plans. You may like Argentina vs Switzerland prediction: Can Lionel Messi set up England semi-final showdown? How to watch Argentina vs Switzerland for FREE Argentina 3-1 Switzerland AET highlights: Lionel Messi and co book place in World Cup semi-final Instead, the Swiss held firm in their disciplined defensive setup, and eventually gained control in the second half. Murat Yakins side forced Argentina deep into their own half and gave Emiliano Martnez plenty to think about, eventually getting their just rewards via Dan Ndoyes equaliser.But Switzerland hardly had any time to celebrate their goal, as Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation shortly after. Without their two biggest attacking threats in Embolo and the injured Johan Manzambi, it seemed Switzerland would crack.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."We had to suffer a lot. We knew they were a physical team and that gave us a lot of trouble," said Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni. "Today we had luck on our side because one of their players was sent off. We could have played better but it's a big achievement to be in the semi-finals.Switzerland held their own and forced Scaloni into making extra time changes, with Thiago Almada, Nicols Otamendi, and Jos Manuel Flaco Lpez coming on in the final half-hour. It was always going to take something truly special to open up this Swiss side, and that came not from Messi, but lvarez, who launched a missile into the top-right corner in the 112th minute.Lautaro Martnez sealed the deal in the final seconds, putting the finishing touches on a hard-fought victory. Now, theyll face an England side eyeing their first trophy since 1966.It is a matchup that carries significant historical weight owing to the 1982 Falklands War, and has resulted in some iconic moments such as Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' in 1986, David Beckhams expulsion in 1998 and redemption in 2002not to mention a match from 1966 that Argentines still refer to as the Robo del Siglo, or the Robbery of the Century.Obviously, inside and outside the four lines, its an encounter that has a lot of historya lot of pain and other things behind it, extra-time substitute Lpez said after the match. But were professionals and were going to play like weve done in every match: putting our lives on the line until the final second.""A World Cup semi-final is a special match, the kind of match that me and all of my teammates have been dreaming of ever since we started kicking a ball. I dont think we need any more motivation than that.TOPICSLionel MessiAlexis Mac AllisterArgentinaSwitzerlandZach LowySocial Links NavigationAfter getting his big breakthrough as the co-founder of the football analytics website Breaking The Lines, Zachary Lowy has been able to tap into his footballing expertise for a number of esteemed outlets like ESPN, FotMob, The Times, The Independent and Urban Pitch. Since joining FourFourTwo as a freelancer in 2025, Lowy has been able to cover a wide range of topics from analyzing the sweeping changes to the MLS season to interviewing key figures like Asamoah Gyan and Rob Holding. Fluent in Spanish, Portuguese and Italian, Lowys versatile skillset has allowed him to traverse a number of different fields when covering major competitions like the FIFA Club World Cup. In addition to football, he is also a seasoned participant of other sports like pickleball, tennis, and volleyball.
