KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Julián Álvarez produced a stunning goal in extra time and Lautaro Martínez added a stoppage-time strike as defending champion Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 on Saturday night to reach the World Cup semifinals, where they will face England in Atlanta.
How the match turned
Argentina took the lead when Alexis Mac Allister converted off a corner taken by Lionel Messi, but Switzerland responded in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye to level the score. The contest shifted dramatically when a yellow card shown to Leandro Paredes for a tackle on Breel Embolo led to a VAR review that concluded Embolo had dived earlier and had already been booked; with that earlier booking confirmed, Embolo was sent off. Switzerland finished the match with 10 men.
“I just don't understand how VAR can make that kind of decision,”
Swiss defender Nico Elvedi criticized the video-review ruling after the game.
With the red card altering the balance, Álvarez found the winner in extra time and Martínez added a late insurance goal, completing a 3-1 scoreline that belied the contest’s tension. Argentina’s win continues a 12-match World Cup unbeaten run for the reigning champions and keeps Lionel Messi’s pursuit of a second World Cup title alive, even though his run of scoring in nine consecutive World Cup matches ended.
Why it matters to American viewers
- Semifinal matchup: Argentina’s victory sets a marquee World Cup semifinal against England, a fixture likely to draw large U.S. audiences and significant global attention.
- VAR controversy: The mistaken-identity application of VAR that produced Embolo’s red card adds to ongoing debate about video review protocols at major tournaments.
- Title defense: Argentina’s path to retaining the trophy remains intact, underscoring the durability of the team despite shaky performances.
Match timeline
| Minute | Event |
|---|---|
| First half | Argentina goal: Alexis Mac Allister (from Messi corner) |
| 67' | Switzerland equalizer: Dan Ndoye |
| Late second half | VAR review leads to Breel Embolo being sent off (second yellow) |
| Extra time | Julián Álvarez scores decisive goal |
| Seconds before extra time ends | Lautaro Martínez adds insurance goal |
The match also carried historical weight: with France and Spain meeting in the other semifinal, for the first time since FIFA rankings began in 1992 the top four ranked nations have reached the World Cup semifinals.
Álvarez, reflecting on the result, said the team had met its objectives and had persevered through a difficult match. The victory keeps Argentina’s title defense on course and sets up a high-stakes encounter with England in Atlanta on Wednesday.
