Argentina are back in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals and they will hope Lionel Messi can inspire them past Switzerland after a major scare against Egypt.
The thrilling comeback, inspired by Messi and finished off by Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner prompted controversial views from Egypt and conspiracy theories.
An emotional Argentina, which saw Lionel Scaloni and Messi both in tears after the last 16, have leant on their iconic No 10, who is in fine form, having reinvented his game and reduced his physical output until the major moments arrive and another is bound to arrive tonight in Kansas City.
But Switzerland are resolute and have overcome penalties against Colombia to be here.
Follow all the latest updates with senior football correspondent Richard Jolly in place at Kansas City’s Arrowhead to see who grabs the final place in the semi-finals:
Read MoreWorld Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race to finish top scorer
Is Argentina vs Switzerland on TV? Channel, kick-off time and how to watch World Cup quarter-final
Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might think
Argentina v Switzerland - World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
- Argentina face Switzerland in their World Cup quarter-final tonight | Live on ITV1
- Messi aims to continue stunning form, including Golden Boot battle with Mbappe
- Winner will face England in last-four
- 50' BLOCK! Martinez produces goal-saving block to deny Ndoye certain equaliser [ARG 1-0 SUI]
- 10' GOAL! Mac Allister breaks deadlock with stunning header [ARG 1-0 SUI]
Embolo header draws diving save from Martinez
03:24 , Jack Tanner60 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Rodriguez whips in a nice ball from the left, with Embolo rising highest to nod towards the left corner. He does well, but can’t get enough power or pace to guide the ball past Martinez - who is at full, but comfortable, stretch to catch the ball.
Switzerland overwork chance
03:19 , Jack Tanner55 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Switzerland’s most dangerous moments aren’t ending up with a shot at goal. Again they turn the ball over high, recycling possession out wide before the cross comes to Ndoye at the back post. He knocks it down for Xhaka, who can’t control it - back to Ndoye, who can’t get a shot off. Frustrating for the Swiss.
Game livening up
03:15 , Jack Tanner52 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
I might have complained about a lack of shots in the first period. We’ve already had four in six second-half minutes. Another Argentina corner now.
Huge chance goes begging for Switzerland
03:14 , Jack Tanner50 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
What a block from Lisandro Martinez. Long ball up to Embolo, who cuts it back to Ndoye on the 2v1. Martinez comes across to block what would be a close-range effort.
Molina snapshot well wide
03:13 , Jack Tanner50 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Lovely ball from Messi releases Molina, who opts for a shot outside the box. It goes wide at a slow pace - wrong option.
Early second-half effort for Switzerland
03:11 , Jack Tanner47 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Reider has had a go from long-range - it is deflected, ballooning into the air, and is caught well by Emi Martinez.
Argentina to restart play for the second half
03:08 , Jack TannerSecond-half: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Hopefully we see a bit more goalmouth action in the second period!
Low on shots in Kansas
03:06 , Jack TannerJust the six shots so far in Argentina v Switzerland - three apiece for each side, who also have one effort on target each as well.
Worryingly, we haven’t seen a shot at goal since the 20th minute. Not exactly the excitement you need to stay awake for a 2am kick-off!
Who?
03:05 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
We have just had a half-time show from a man called Tech N9ne. Although I presume that is not his real name.
Half-time whistle blows with Argentina ahead
02:53 , Jack TannerHalf-time: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Hardly a classic, but Argentina won’t mind that after their recent pulsating encounters with Cape Verde and Egypt.
Switzerland just can’t quite find the final ball or option, and that will always limit a side.
Stoppage time flies by
02:51 , Jack Tanner45+3 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
We’ve been treated to a few more fouls in the middle of the park as we march towards half-time. Argentina comfortable with the pace of this game.
'Change of pace for Argentina'
02:51 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina's last two games have been epics of entertainment. And this, so far, has not been. But they are 45 minutes away from a date with England in Atlanta. They would settle for a rather dull second half, too.
Argentina fume over Embolo tackle
02:47 , Jack Tanner44 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Embolo was certainly clumsy on Paredes, and he is shown a yellow card for his challenge - after Argentina crowd the referee. Borderline booking for a late and high, yet not super dangerous, challenge.
Swiss waste free-kick in dangerous area
02:46 , Jack Tanner43 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Freuler lofts the ball over everybody in the Argentine box, meaning it is an Argentina goal kick.
Swiss free-kick in dangerous area
02:45 , Jack Tanner42 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Although Sow is moving away from goal, Paredes swoops in and fails to win the ball, just outside the box on the flank.
Free-kick for Switzerland in a crossing position.
Stop-start affair
02:44 , Jack Tanner41 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Approaching half-time here and the game has devolved into a series of soft fouls and free-kicks.
An Embolo mistake almost lets Argentina in, but their attack comes to nothing.
Another hydration break shake-up
02:37 , Jack Tanner34 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Throughout this tournament we’ve seen games flipped on their heads after hydration breaks, artificial breaks changing the momentum of a match.
It’s happened here, with more Swiss possession after the break. They’ve just had a corner, albeit one that didn’t amount to much.
'Warning shot from Switzerland'
02:37 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Argentina have looked comfortable in possession so far but that was something of a warning shot from Embolo - even if it didn't have an actual shot...
Chance for Switzerland
02:34 , Jack Tanner32 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Almost an opportunity for Switzerland one-on-one - Embolo nudged away from shooting by Lisandro Martinez.
PICS: Argentina's dream start to quarter-final clash
02:33 , Jack Tanner
Ndoye the spark for Switzerland?
02:31 , Jack Tanner28 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Ndoye has just skipped past a few Argentine defenders, but can’t move the ball on before being dispossessed. He’s looking like Switzerland’s best hope of creating something currently.
Back underway in the first half
02:30 , Jack Tanner27 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
We’re hydrated again, so the football can restart. Switzerland have yet to switch from probing attacks to moves with substance.
WATCH: Argentina take the lead in Kansas
02:27 , Jack TannerIt's advantage Argentina as Alexis Mac Allister heads his nation into an early lead 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/kQ5pyxDzuE
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) July 12, 2026
Hydration break halts action
02:26 , Jack Tanner23 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Well, this one hasn’t caught alight since Mac Allister opened scores in the 10th minute.
The hydration break likely won’t help matters - or maybe it will allow Switzerland to regroup.
Argentina boosted by taking the lead
02:21 , Jack Tanner18 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
Argentina looking more comfortable after that early goal. After their escapades against Egypt, a more comfortable game is exactly what the doctor ordered - but have Switzerland got a response a la Cape Verde up their sleeves?
'Messi's corners are better than his penalties'
02:14 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
A third consecutive game in which Messi's corners have brought Argentina a goal. His corners are better than his penalties right now.
GOAL! MAC ALLISTER HEADS HOME
02:14 , Jack Tanner10 mins: Argentina 1 - 0 Switzerland
And we have lift off in Kansas! Messi’s second corner in quick succession finds Mac Allister again - he flicks towards goal and past Kobel to open scores inside 10 minutes.
Messi coming to life
02:12 , Jack Tanner9 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Messi has been welcomed into the game, Argentina getting the ball to their magician on the right. His latest dribble tees up a Mac Allister shot, blocked for a corner.
Messi’s set-piece is flicked on and out for another corner.
Switzerland pressuring Argentine defence
02:10 , Jack Tanner6 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Switzerland getting plenty of joy early on, pressing the Argentina backline into turnovers.
However, despite winning the ball close to goal, the Swiss have been unable to create any proper shooting opportunities.
Argentina aiming for Alvarez as an outlet
02:07 , Jack Tanner4 mins: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Emi Martinez is punting balls over the top for Julian Alvarez to chase in the opening stages here.
We're underway in the last quarter final
02:04 , Jack TannerKick-off: Argentina 0 - 0 Switzerland
Here we go in Kansas! The final semi-final spot is up for grabs.
'Surprise to see empty seats'
02:04 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
There are some empty seats, high up at the back of the stand behind the goal Switzerland are defending. Which is interesting, especially given what a hot ticket Argentina are.
Moment's silence for Jayden Adams
02:02 , Jack TannerJust like in the Norway v England game, we will have a moment’s silence for South Africa midfielder Jayden Adams, who passed away yesterday.
Adams made three appearances at this very World Cup.
Anthem time
01:55 , Jack TannerThe teams emerge onto the pitch in Kansas. Time to sing both countries’ national anthems, and then we can get stuck into the final quarter final of the 2026 World Cup.
Argentina and Switzerland meet for a third time at the World Cup
01:48 , Jack Tanner
Argentina and Switzerland have met twice at the World Cup over the years - unsurprisingly, the Swiss have lost both times.
Interestingly, Switzerland’s last game at the 1966 and 2014 World Cup game against Argentina.
The Swiss lost all three group games in ‘66, including a 2-0 loss to Argentina in the final match.
In 2014 the Argentines directly knocked out their Swiss counterparts, requiring extra time in a 1-0 win en route to the final in Brazil.
Switzerland hoping to make history
01:45 , Jack TannerIt’s not all about Argentina, of course, with Switzerland proving they can navigate knockout football.
However, the Swiss aren’t used to going deep into the World Cup - they’ve already matched their best run of reaching the quarter-finals.
Victory tonight would book a place in the final four for the first time.
Argentina hoping to become the second country to defend their World Cup crown
01:37 , Jack TannerArgentina hope to become the first team since arch-rivals Brazil in 1958 & 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.
Argentina have come close to the feat before - winning in 1986 before reaching the final in 1990. However, they lost 1-0 to West Germany, and had to wait 32 years until they added a third star to their chest.
Will the Argentinians be sporting a fourth star later this month?
Argentina and Switzerland now know their prize for victory - England in the semis
01:33 , Jack TannerWe’re onto the second quarter final of the evening/morning, and the final last eight game.
Argentina and Switzerland know that victory in Kansas will be rewarded with a semi-final against England.
Read about England’s 2-1 A.E.T win over Norway via Miguel Delaney’s match report from Miami.
Bellingham brings clarity to carry England into World Cup semi-finals
Centre-midfield the key area in Kansas City?
01:33 , Jack RathbornArgentina are loading the centre-midfield area again; Lionel Messi will have the legs behind him to outwork Switzerland, should they not use the ball out wide.
Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes provide plenty of strength and stamina in there.
Maybe they lack variety though?
Argentine love
01:23 , Will Castle
An unlikely second home for Argentina
01:11 , Richard Jolly at Kansas City StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside Kansas City Stadium:
Kansas City has looked decidedly blue and white over the last couple of days - perhaps over the last month, too - but it has been full of Argentina fans. If few expected Switzerland to get this far, that may be why there don't seem to be too many Swiss here. As this huge ground fills up, it is looking like a home match in Missouri for Argentina.
Confirmed line-ups
01:02 , Will CastleArgentina XI: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, L Martinez, Tagliafico; Paredes; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez; Messi, Alvarez.
Switzerland XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Rieder, Sow, Ndoye; Embolo.
When do yellow cards reset at the World Cup?
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:50 , Jack RathbornYellow cards reset after the group stages and the quarter-finals, so a booking in the semi-finals, after a second clean slate, would not rule a player out of the final, regardless of what happened in their previous knockout games.
The suspension lasts just one game, so if a player were booked in the last 32 and last 16, they would miss a quarter-final; or if they were booked in the last 32/last 16 and the quarter-finals, they would miss a semi-final.
Argentina
Gonzalo Montiel
Switzerland
Miro Muheim
Denis Zakaria
Granit Xhaka
Argentina fans take over Kansas City before quarter-final v Switzerland
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:30 , Jack Rathborn
Lionel Messi and reigning World Cup champion Argentina playing for a semifinal spot in Ted Lasso's hometown?
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:22 , Jack RathbornYou'd better BELIEVE he's paying attention.
The fictional coach of soccer club AFC Richmond — or rather, Jason Sudeikis, who plays the title character on the Apple TV series — was hosting a watch party at CPKC Stadium near downtown Kansas City on Saturday night, when La Albiceleste were playing upstart Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in their quest for back-to-back championships.
The fourth season of the comedy-drama, which has been on hiatus since May 31, 2023, is due to premiere on Aug. 5.
“As much as we've loved football before we got started, I've grown to love it more as we got more immersed in the soccer culture,” said Sudeikis, who grew up in the Kansas City suburb of Overland Park, Kansas, and still has a deep affinity for the city. In fact, many of the scenes in the new season of “Ted Lasso” were shot around Kansas City.
That includes riverfront CPKC Stadium, the home of the National Women's Soccer League club Kansas City Current. It's the first of its size built specifically for a women's professional club, and a fitting locale for several thousand people to attend a watch party, given that the new season of “Ted Lasso” will focus on the newly formed AFC Richmond women's team.
It was a concept that the character Keeley Jones — played by the award-winning Juno Temple — subtly pitched at the end of the third season, when it was still unclear whether “Ted Lasso” would return for another run.
“It feels like a perfect moment to be talking about women's football, and representing it — not that I play, obviously,” said Temple, who sported a teal Kansas City Current jersey Saturday. “So that's first and foremost. I hope that's something people really treasure. And I also hope people enjoy the journey each of the characters are going on.”
Kansas City brings curtain down on World Cup festival
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:21 , Jack RathbornAs Kansas City prepared to bring the curtain down on its World Cup on Saturday, local organisers were already reflecting on a month that put the Midwestern city on the global stage.
Kansas City has been host to six `games including a round-of-16 match and Saturday's quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium, the home of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs. But the tournament's legacy will be measured as much by the supporters who adopted the city as their temporary home.
The city welcomed large followings from several nations, including Algeria, whose fans spilled across neighbouring Lawrence, Kansas, where the North African team made their base camp. A sea of Netherlands orange marched through downtown streets before turning parts of the city centre into a Dutch carnival.
Supporters from Argentina, Switzerland, Colombia and `others packed fan zones, bars and public squares over the past month, transforming the self-styled "Soccer Capital of America" into a meeting place for the world and giving residents a rare chance to experience the World Cup's unique blend of sport, culture `and community on their own doorstep. "The last month has been very special for Kansas City to have a chance to be on the international stage," Clark Hunt, honorary co-chair of the KC 2026 board and chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, told reporters.
"Getting to see fans from all around the world coming to Kansas City to cheer on their teams ... has been amazing." Hunt said he hoped the city would have the chance to welcome the tournament back one day.
"If we have the opportunity to bid, we'll do it," he said. For KC 2026 Chief Executive Pam Kramer, the tournament's legacy will extend beyond football.
"We've proven we can handle the biggest sporting competition in the world," she said, adding that the World Cup had showcased Kansas City as a destination for business, investment and new residents.
Granit Xhaka dreaming of World Cup semi-final for Switzerland
Sunday 12 July 2026 00:05 , Jack Rathborn“It's going to be a highlight of my career, indeed," Xhaka said. "Every moment when you can do something that special, it feels different
"When you're in the quarter-final, you don't really care about the weather," Xhaka said. "There are no excuses."
"Now after 72 years, to be able to be here with Switzerland and to play against the reigning champions, it just makes me very proud.
"But I am not here to talk. I want to take the next steps, and we're very close to the end. I am yearning for it, I am hungry and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch."
"It's not going to be revenge. This is a completely different match. Now we are in the quarter-final, and we want to win. This is our overarching aim.
“Regarding (Swiss) fans: keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true. If we want to fulfil our dreams, you need to work, you need to sweat, you need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina."
Switzerland finalise preparation for Argentina quarter-final
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:55 , Jack Rathborn
How do you stop Lionel Messi?
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:45 , Jack RathbornYakin suggested the best way to limit Messi's influence was to deny him possession altogether. "When we have the ball, then he won't be able to act as much," he said. "We just try to play our game and not allow him to play the ball. "There are many solutions, and we try to find the best solution. Tomorrow, on the pitch, we will perform as a unit. We will try to play good passes, press high against an Argentinian team, the reigning champions."
Xhaka on Argentina challenge
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:35 , Jack Rathborn"We cannot influence what people say about us," Xhaka told reporters on Friday. "The only thing we can do is we can perform and show what we can do on the pitch. Nothing else matters."
Swiss without injured Manzambi for Argentina quarter-final, Yakin says
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:25 , Jack RathbornSwitzerland will be without leading scorer Johan Manzambi for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, coach Murat Yakin said on Friday, dealing a blow to the Swiss as they prepare to face the reigning champions in Kansas City.
Manzambi, who has three goals and two `assists at the tournament, also missed Switzerland's penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16 after suffering a knee injury, and Yakin said the midfielder had failed to recover in time. "We tried everything that we could to get him back, unfortunately, he's unable to perform tomorrow," Yakin said."Johan Manzambi is in a lot of pain. It was a shock to all of us. This momentum was on his side, and there is so `much joy when he plays football."
Discovering what Lionel Messi means to Argentina fans as the footballing icon makes World Cup history
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:15 , Jack RathbornArtists restore gigantic Messi mural in his hometown
Saturday 11 July 2026 23:05 , Jack RathbornLionel Messi has had a fresh lick of paint.
"We called the mural 'From another galaxy' but in reality he's a human like us, who had to deal with a lot of challenges from childhood, who was born among humble working people, who rose above it," said Lisandro Urteaga, one of the artists.
A 534-square-meter (5,748-square-foot) mural on the side of a building in `downtown Rosario, his hometown in Argentina, has been restored and inaugurated just in time for the top-scoring forward's World Cup quarter-final `match against Switzerland. The restoration of the mural, which was originally painted in 2021, needed 300 litres (79 gallons) of paint, said Marlene Zuriaga, one of the project directors.The work, titled "From another galaxy and from my city," also now boasts three stars on the giant Messi's jersey badge, one for each of Argentina's three World Cup wins, and the word "Gracias!" ("Thank you!") at the `top. Global superstar Messi, now 39, became the World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer during this tournament. But he got his start in football at local Rosario team Newell's Old Boys.
Lionel Scaloni highlights Swiss strength as tough challenge for Argentina
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:55 , Jack Rathborn"There are no easy rivals, we all know that," Scaloni said.
"They are a very good team. They compete with the best national teams and always come through. They may win or lose, but they always compete. They have World Cup tradition, experienced players and are physically strong."
'A machine': Scaloni not surprised by Messi's form at 39
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:45 , Jack Rathborn"Leo runs more or less the same in every match," Scaloni said. "Physically, it's true that he has done preparation work with his fitness coach and it has paid off, but in terms of numbers I don't know if he has changed that much."
"What is clear is that he's giving everything he has. When he gives everything he has and senses that he can create danger, he is a machine," the coach `added. Scaloni said those expecting age to catch up with Messi did not know the player well enough."It doesn't surprise me," he said.
"Maybe people who don't know him expected that at 39 he wouldn't be at this level, but I don't know how many times I've said it: as long as he wants to, he will be the best. I think that, and not because I'm his coach."
Argentine icon Antonio Rattín dies, aged 84
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:35 , Jack RathbornArgentine Antonio Rattín, a former Boca Juniors player whose act of defiance while representing Argentina at the 1966 World Cup helped lead to the introduction of yellow and red cards, has died, the country’s football federation said Saturday. He was 84.
Rattín died in Buenos Aires, according to the Argentine Football Association, or AFA, which expressed its “deepest sorrow at the passing of a historic symbol of Boca Juniors and the national team,” with whom he played in two World Cups.
A defensive midfielder known for his physical, hard-tackling style, Rattín won six Argentine league titles with Boca Juniors and was a Copa Libertadores runner-up in 1963.
“Rattín was one of us and loved these colours so much that they were the only ones he chose to defend throughout his 14-year career. A leader, an Argentine and forever a Bostero,” the club said.
With Argentina, Rattín played at the 1962 World Cup in Chile and the 1966 tournament in England, and also finished runner-up in the Copa América twice.
Argentina train ahead of Switzerland quarter-final
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:25 , Jack Rathborn
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Kane in thrilling race to finish top scorer
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:15 , Jack Rathborn1. Kylian Mbappe (France), 8 goals, (3 assists)
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 8 goals (1 assist)
3. Erling Haaland (Norway), 7 goals (0 assists)
4. Harry Kane (England), 6 goals (1 assist)
5. Ousmane Dembele (France), 5 goals (2 assists)
= 6. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 6. Julian Quinones (Mexico), 4 goals (1 assist)
Why Lionel Messi can’t lead Argentina to win this World Cup (on his own)
Saturday 11 July 2026 22:05 , Jack RathbornTo think the phrase was coined about a Barcelona side blessed with a range of talents. Messidependencia, an over-reliance on Lionel Messi, has been a supposed thing for years now. And yet, as the man himself is in his 40th year, perhaps never as much of a thing.
As Argentina seek to retain the World Cup 2026, the questions surrounding their candidature are no longer if Messi is too old, but if his supporting cast can provide enough support. The burden of proof is on the other 10; or, in these days of supersized squads, the other 25.
Why Lionel Messi can’t lead Argentina to win this World Cup (on his own)
Why an emotionally-charged Argentina need to win this World Cup more than you might think
Saturday 11 July 2026 21:55 , Jack RathbornWho wants this World Cup the most?
Hard to say, isn’t it?
Who needs this World Cup the most?
Well, that’s quite plainly Argentina.
Why emotionally-charged Argentina need to win World Cup more than you might think
Argentina v Switzerland - World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
Saturday 11 July 2026 21:45 , Jack RathbornGood evening and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Argentina v Switzerland in the final World Cup 2026 quarter-final.
Lionel Messi is back and hoping to continue his outstanding form, which has seen him sit level on goals with Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot.
Switzerland held their nerve on penalties against Colombia and have remained under the radar throughout the tournament.
Follow all the build-up to the game, which follows Norway v England.
