Argentina vs Switzerland: World Cup 2026 Quarterfinal Preview

Argentina’s journey at the 2026 World Cup continues after a stunning comeback against Egypt, setting up a quarterfinal clash with a stubborn Switzerland side. The match kicks off Sunday, July 12, at 04:00 local time in Kansas City. The defending champions were 2-0 down with 11 minutes left against Egypt, but goals from Cristian Romero, Lionel Messi (redeeming himself after a missed penalty) and Enzo Fernández turned the game around. It was Argentina’s 12th straight win since September, and they now need three more victories to retain the title. Switzerland reached the last eight via a penalty shootout against Colombia after a goalless draw. Gregor Kobel was the hero in Vancouver. Murat Yakin’s side have not trailed once in the tournament — a draw with Qatar, wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, followed by a comfortable 2-0 victory against Algeria in the round of 16. Their pragmatic, defense-first approach has served them well. History favors Argentina: they have won both previous World Cup meetings with Switzerland, 2-0 in 1966 and 1-0 in 2014. The Swiss have never beaten Argentina in seven World Cup encounters. Scaloni is expected to have a fully fit squad, while Yakin is sweating over Michel Aebischer, Luca Jaquez and Johan Manzambi, who missed the Colombia game with a knee injury. Probable lineups: Argentina: E. Martínez — Tagliafico, L. Martínez, Romero, Molina — González, Fernández, Paredes, Mac Allister — Messi, L. Martínez. Switzerland: Kobel — Rodríguez, Akanji, Elvedi, Zakaria — Xhaka, Freuler — Vargas, Rieder, Ndoye — Embolo. Odds: Argentina win in regulation — 1.73, Switzerland win — 5.33, draw — 3.60. Argentina to advance — 1.33, Switzerland — 3.10.