Argentina will continue their title defense as they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The last time Switzerland played in the World Cup quarter-finals was back in 1954, when they were the tournament host. Meanwhile, Argentina is chasing history, hoping to become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to defend their World Cup title.
It hasn’t been easy for the Argentines, even though they cruised through the group stage. With Lionel Messi still doing what he does best, they needed extra time to get past Cabo Verde in the round of 32. Then came an even bigger scare against Egypt.
Argentina found themselves 2-0 down and it looked like the match was slipping from their hands, but Messi delivered when it mattered most. Enzo Fernández sealed the comeback with a header. Switzerland’s shootout win over Colombia in Vancouver means Argentina have dodged a tricky clash with the Colombians in the quarter-finals.
Murat Yakin’s team shouldn’t be taken lightly. They’re tough, well-organised, and hard to break down, as Colombia found out the hard way.
Quick Match details
Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
Stage: Quarter-finals
Date: July 11
Kick-off Time: 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT / 2 a.m. BST & 6:30 a.m. IST (July 12)
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, United States
Match Preview and Current Form
Argentina
Argentina had a challenging outing against World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32, while they found themselves in an even bigger mess in their next game.
Egypt led 2-0 with just 11 minutes to go in the last 16, but Argentina made a strong comeback, helped by a few controversial VAR decisions, which completely turned things around. Cristian Romero scored, then Lionel Messi made up for an earlier missed penalty by finding the net himself, and Enzo Fernandez added a third. It was that classic Argentina drama their fans know all too well.
Argentina is now just three wins away from winning the title again. Messi and his teammates are clearly not as young as they used to be, but their mix of skill and fight keeps getting the job done.
Since losing their first group game to Saudi Arabia back at Qatar 2022, Argentina has been unbeaten as they haven’t lost a World Cup match in 11 games. They’ve scored twice or more in every single one. That’s their best run ever at the tournament.
Argentina and Switzerland have faced each other twice in the World Cup. In 1966 Argentina won 2-0 against Switzerland, then 1-0 in Brazil eight years later. Counting those games, Switzerland have never once beaten Argentina in seven attempts.
World Cup form: W-W-W-W-W
Switzerland
Switzerland are keen to reach their first ever World Cup semi-final. The last time they made the quarter-finals was in 1954, when they hosted the tournament.
They started slowly with a boring draw against Qatar, then bounced back with a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina and a 2-1 win over co-hosts Canada. That was enough to top their group. In the knockouts, they beat Algeria, then got past Colombia on penalties after a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel was the hero in that 4-3 shootout win in Vancouver.
Coach Murat Yakin is known for being cautious, favoring defence over attack, and it’s clearly working. Switzerland haven’t trailed once in this entire World Cup, including qualifying.
They’re one of six European teams left in the tournament, and beating the defending champions would be a historic moment for Swiss football.
World Cup form: D-W-W-W-W
Team News and Injury Updates
Argentina
Messi has missed two penalties but is still leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals. Argentina’s captain will lead the team out again this weekend.
Up front, either Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez will start alongside him – Martinez was the one who set up Fernandez’s late winner against Egypt. Messi, meanwhile, has now scored in six straight World Cup knockout games, a first for any player.
There’s also a battle for the left-back spot, with Facundo Medina and Nicolas Tagliafico competing for the starting role.
Scaloni should have his full squad available, but Yakin has a few fitness concerns – Michel Aebischer, Luca Jaquez, and Johan Manzambi are all doubts. Manzambi had been in fine form, scoring three goals and earning a regular starting spot, but a knee injury kept him out of the last-16 game. Ardon Jashari of AC Milan filled in for him and could keep his place.
Switzerland
Switzerland’s Manzambi and Jaquez won’t be available due to knee and muscle injuries, respectively, while Aebischer is doubtful. Manzambi, Switzerland’s 20-year-old breakout star, also missed the last game.
Breel Embolo has been involved in 13 goals in his last 17 games for Switzerland. He struggled against Colombia though, managing just one touch in the box and no shots on goal – so he’ll need to fend off Zeki Amdouni and Cedric Itten for his starting spot.
Argentina vs Switzerland Probable starting XI
Argentina Probable starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
- Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina
- Midfielders: Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernández
- Attackers: Lionel Messi
- Forwards: Lautaro Martínez
Switzerland Probable starting XI
- Goalkeeper: Gregor Kobel
- Defenders: Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Miro Muheim
- Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Djibril Sow, Remo Freuler
- Attackers: Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas
- Forwards: Breel Embolo
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