Mac Allister and extra-time strikes send Argentina past Switzerland 3-1, setting up semi-final with England
Alexis Mac Allister scored early but Switzerland forced extra time before Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez struck to seal a 3-1 quarterfinal win at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Argentina now meets England for a place in the 2026 World Cup final.
Quarterfinal drama
Mac Allister put the defending champions ahead after only 10 minutes, but a physical Swiss side drew level through Dan Ndoye in the 67th minute. The game turned when Breel Embolo was sent off after receiving a second yellow card, leaving Switzerland with 10 men. In the additional period, Alvarez restored the lead and Martinez added the third goal to secure the victory.
We suffered, but it's very difficult to reach the semi-finals of a World Cup without going through such moments. We knew it was a very physical team, it put us in difficult situations and from some we couldn't get out. Luck was on our side because one player was sent off and then we could attack.
- Alexis Mac Allister scores for Argentina
- Dan Ndoye equalises for Switzerland
- Breel Embolo sent off for a second yellow
- Julian Alvarez restores Argentina's lead
- Lautaro Martinez seals the 3-1 win
Scaloni's calm leadership
The coach's quiet authority has defined Argentina's campaign. The team is nicknamed "La Scaloneta" in his honour, and a documentary, "El Metodo Scaloni", explores his emotional and cultural revolution within the squad. His post-match demeanour was typically measured.
We must keep our feet on the ground. There are many elements that need improvement, but victories make everything look better.
A record of consistency
Since taking over after the 2018 World Cup, Scaloni has won 74 of his 101 matches, losing only nine, with a goal difference of 212 to 54. The side has now gone 11 World Cup matches without defeat, including all five games at this tournament. If Argentina claim a second straight title, the 44-year-old will surpass the World Cup-winning coaches Cesar Luis Menotti (1978) and Carlos Bilardo (1986) as the country's most decorated manager.
- Wins
- 74
- Losses
- 9
- Goals scored
- 212
- Goals conceded
- 54
Semi-final against England
England also needed extra time to beat Norway 2-1, setting up a meeting on Wednesday, 15 July at 21:00 Polish time at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The day before, France and Spain contest the other semi-final. Scaloni played down the identity of the opponent.
It doesn't matter whether our rival is England or Norway. In both cases we'll face a team playing very good football and led by a great coach. Now the most important thing is regeneration, because at this moment it is crucial.
The 2026 World Cup is Argentina's to lose, and with Scaloni at the helm, they are two wins from a historic repeat.
