FIFA World Cup 2026: Alvarez scores extra-time stunner as Argentina beat Switzerland

Julian Alvarez scored an extra-time stunner as Argentina beat 10-man Switzerland 3-1 and set up a mouth-watering World Cup semi-final clash with England.

Lionel Messi and Co will face the Three Lions in Atlanta on Wednesday with a place in the final against either France or Spain on the line.

It will be the first competitive meeting between the nations in 24 years.

Despite Switzerland’s positive start in Kansas City, they only had themselves to blame when they fell behind inside 10 minutes. Alexis Mac Allister was twice left unmarked at a corner – and the second time he punished them, by guiding in a header in after being picked out by Messi.

Breel Embolo had the Swiss’ most promising chance of the first half, but a combination of Lisandro and Emi Martinez stopped him getting a shot away from just inside the box. He had a huge chance to level shortly after the restart, too, but a world-class block from Lisandro Martinez denied him.

Dan Ndoye and Granit Xhaka then forced saves from the Argentina goalkeeper after a spell of sustained pressure, which finally paid off when the former linked up superbly with Ricardo Rodriguez and fired home from a tight angle to level the game.

The Swiss elation was shortlived. Five minutes after the equaliser, Leandro Paredes was booked for a foul on Embolo – but under new mistaken identity rules, the VAR recommended a review and

Messi and Mac Allister both had chances to win it for Argentina before the final whistle, but they could not find a way to prevent extra time.

Though Switzerland did manage to hold the reigning world champions at bay for the first 15 minutes, Julian Alvarez’s beautiful strike from 25 yards, into the top right corner, took the wind from their sails.

Lautaro Martinez added the gloss in the dying embers, and by then, the Swiss race was run. (Skysports)