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Argentina vs Switzerland: World Cup quarter-final match preview
11th July, 2026 01:14 PM
Defending champions Argentina will continue their quest to retain the FIFA World Cup title when they face Switzerland in Sunday’s, July 12, 2026, quarter-final at Kansas City Stadium in the United States of America.
Victory for Lionel Scaloni’s men will secure a place in the last four, where either England or Norway awaits, while Switzerland are hoping to create history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time.
Match preview
Argentina have survived two dramatic knockout matches to remain on course for back-to-back World Cup triumphs. After narrowly overcoming tournament newcomers Cape Verde, the South Americans produced another remarkable comeback in the Round of 16.
Against Egypt, Argentina looked destined for elimination after falling 2-0 behind with just 11 minutes left. However, a spirited recovery, helped by several VAR decisions, completely changed the contest. Cristian Romero sparked the revival before Lionel Messi, making up for an earlier missed penalty, restored hope. Enzo Fernandez then completed the turnaround with the decisive goal to send the reigning champions through.
The victory extended Argentina’s winning streak to 12 matches dating back to September. They now sit just three wins away from lifting the World Cup trophy once again.
Although the squad has shown signs of ageing, the experience, technical quality and determination of Messi and his teammates have continued to carry them through difficult moments. Since losing their opening match of the 2022 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, Argentina have gone 11 World Cup games without defeat while scoring at least two goals in every outing.
History also favours La Albiceleste in this fixture. Argentina have defeated Switzerland in both previous meetings at major international tournaments, winning 2-0 in the 1966 World Cup before edging them 1-0 in Brazil eight years ago.
Switzerland, meanwhile, enter the contest looking to end a poor record against the South Americans. They have failed to beat Argentina in seven previous encounters and now face perhaps their toughest challenge yet.
The Swiss have quietly impressed throughout the tournament despite rarely producing eye-catching performances. After opening with a disappointing draw against Qatar, Murat Yakin’s side responded by beating Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 before overcoming co-hosts Canada 2-1 to finish top of Group B.
Their knockout campaign has seen them eliminate Algeria before defeating Colombia in a tense penalty shootout following a goalless draw. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel proved the hero by making crucial saves as Switzerland prevailed 4-3 from the spot.
Yakin has built his team around defensive discipline rather than attacking flair, and the strategy has worked well. Switzerland have not fallen behind at any stage of their World Cup journey, including qualifying matches.
Now among the six European nations left in the competition, they must produce their finest performance yet to eliminate the defending champions and reach uncharted territory in Swiss football.
Team news
Messi remains at the forefront of the Golden Boot race with eight goals despite missing two penalties during the tournament. The Argentina captain is expected to lead the attack once more.
Scaloni must choose between Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez to partner Messi in attack. Martinez strengthened his case after providing the assist for Fernandez’s winning goal against Egypt.
There is also competition for the left-back role, with Nicolas Tagliafico and the recovered Facundo Medina battling for a starting place.
Argentina are expected to have a fully fit squad available for selection.
Switzerland, however, are monitoring the fitness of Michel Aebischer, Luca Jaquez and Johan Manzambi. The latter enjoyed an impressive tournament before suffering a knee injury that ruled him out of the Colombia match. If he is unable to return, Ardon Jashari is likely to continue in midfield.
Breel Embolo is set to spearhead the Swiss attack. The Rennes striker has contributed directly to 13 goals in his last 17 appearances for his country, although he struggled to influence the previous match against Colombia. He is still expected to keep his place ahead of Zeki Amdouni and Cedric Itten.
Probable lineups
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez.
Switzerland: Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Ardon Jashari, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.
Prediction
Switzerland’s defensive organisation is likely to make life difficult for Argentina, but the South American champions have repeatedly shown they can find solutions under pressure. Their resilience, experience and attacking quality should ultimately prove decisive in what is expected to be a closely contested encounter.
Predicted result: Argentina 2-1 Switzerland.
