Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Switzerland after extra time in the 2026 World Cup quarter-final in Kansas City on July 11, 2026, reaching the semi-finals for the first time since 2014 [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]. Switzerland’s Breel Embolo received a controversial second yellow card, overturned on VAR review that deemed Leandro Paredes was simulated a foul, resulting in Embolo’s dismissal; Switzerland coach Murat Yakin disputed the decision, saying there was no reason to award the initial yellow card [5].
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised his team’s resilience, saying, "I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up" [1]. Scaloni also downplayed any political tension ahead of the semi-final against England in Atlanta on July 16, saying, "It's a soccer match. Period. There's nothing more to it" [2, 5, 6]. Forward Jose Manuel Lopez acknowledged the match carries historical weight but stressed professionalism, saying, "...it's a matchup that has a lot of history, a lot of pain, and a lot behind it. But we're professionals. We're going to play it the way we play every match, until the last second, leaving our lives on the field" [5].
Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina’s campaign. He scored a hat-trick in the group stage opening 3-0 win over Algeria on July 1, 2026, and is tied with Kylian Mbappe on eight goals for the Golden Boot at this tournament [1, 3, 4]. Messi has now scored 21 World Cup goals in total, making him the all-time leading scorer in the competition [1, 3, 4]. At 39 years old, Scaloni stated Messi "for as long as he wants, he will be the best" [1]. Argentina remain unbeaten in 11 World Cup matches [1, 3, 4].
The Argentina squad and supporters have been vocal about the Falklands (Malvinas) dispute during the World Cup [2, 6], adding an intense atmosphere to upcoming matches.
Argentina will meet England in the World Cup semi-final on Wednesday, July 16, 2026, in Atlanta [2, 5, 6]. Scaloni called the semi-final appearance "historic," though noting "we could have played better" [5].
