Defending champions Argentina were given a scare by Switzerland for a large part of the game before getting the job done in extra time to reach the semi-finals of the World Cup.
Argentina started the game by scoring in the 10th minute after Alexis Mac Allister nodded in Lionel Messi's corner to help them take an early lead. It all looked too easy for the defending champions as they kept possession and dominated the first half. They went into half-time with a 1-0 lead and looked firmly in control.
In the second half, a resurgent Switzerland came back into the game, with Dan Ndoye producing a terrific finish from a narrow angle in the 67th minute to level the scores. Just when things were going well for Switzerland, they were dealt a huge blow when Breel Embolo was sent off after a VAR check saw him receive a second yellow card for simulation in the 72nd minute. After being reduced to 10 men for the remainder of the game, any hopes of Swiss dominance came to an end. They managed to hold on and forced the match into extra time.
Switzerland's plan to take the game to a penalty shoot-out looked set to work, only for Argentina to find two late goals. Julián Álvarez curled a stunning strike into the top corner from range in the 112th minute before Lautaro Martínez put the gloss on the victory with a goal in the 121st minute to seal a 3-1 win and send Argentina into the semi-finals.
World's top four-ranked teams make history by reaching World Cup semi-finals
This result also meant that the world's top four-ranked teams are the only ones remaining in the semi-finals. It has been a blockbuster tournament. With Argentina (#1), Spain (#2), France (#3), and England (#4) advancing, this marks the first time since the FIFA World Rankings were introduced in 1992 that the top four-ranked teams have all reached the World Cup semi-finals.
Spain vs France and Argentina vs England set up blockbuster semi-finals
France will take on Spain in the first semi-final, while Argentina are set to face England. The winners of those matches will meet in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While the loser of the semi-finals will face off in a third place match which will be held before the Final. It has been a topsy-turvy knockout stage, but Argentina and England held their nerves to book their places in the last four.
