FIFA WC 2026: Argentina eye semi-final berth against Switzerland in quarter-final clash

Defending champions Argentina take on Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals, with Lionel Messi aiming to lead his side into a second consecutive semi-final. Switzerland seek to continue their historic run after reaching the last eight for the first time since 1954.

Kansas City: Defending champions Argentina will look to march into their second consecutive FIFA World Cup semi-final when they take on Switzerland in the crucial quarter-final clash at the Kansas City Stadium on Sunday.

Without doubt, Argentina have made eye-catching progress in North America, starting with the three straight Group J wins ,inspired by six Lionel Messi goals and an all-time World Cup top scorer record (21 goals and counting) for the mesmeric talisman.

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Messi has mustered two more in the knockout phase – including the crucial Round of 16 equaliser against Egypt, but it also took the collective will and sheer determination of Lionel Scaloni’s defending champions to get over the line against both Egypt and Cabo Verde. Indeed, Argentina required an own-goal extra-time winner to finally subdue the debutants in the Round of 32. Another gruelling 3-2 epic followed against the North Africans as the champions hit three late goals to somehow deny Egypt.

Switzerland side who have quietly achieved their stated goal of putting together a best-ever World Cup campaign. Not only have Murat Yakin’s men booked the first quarter-final since 1954, but they travel to the Midwest having claimed back-to-back knockout victories for the first time ever in a global showpiece.

The Alpine side were clinical in dispatching Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 before making light of the absence of breakout star Johan Manzambi to outlast Colombia on penalties after a last-16 stalemate.

How to watch Argentina vs Switzerland live in India

Live streaming and live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 matches will be available on the Zee5 platform and app in India. A subscription will be needed.

Live telecast of the FIFA World Cup 2026 will be available on the Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2, and Unite8 Sports 2 HD TV channels in India.

Key details

Date and kick-off time: Sunday, July 12, 6:30 AM IST

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City

Referee: Joao Pinheiro

Argentina-

Goalkeepers: Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Juan Musso

Defenders: Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolas Otamendi, Lisandro Martínez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Facundo Medina

Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Enzo Fernandez, Valentin Barco

Forwards: Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez, Lau taro Martinez, Thiago Almada, Nicolas Paz, Nicolas Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Jose Manuel Lopez

Switzerland –

Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Jonas Omlin.

Defenders: Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez, Silvan Widmer, Cédric Zesiger, Eray Cömert, Ulisses Garcia, Lucas Blondel, Becir

Omeragic.

Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Ardon Jashari, Vincent Sierro, Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder, Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Renato Steffen, Filip Ugrinic.

Forwards: Breel Embolo, Zeki Amdouni, Noah Okafor, Joel Monteiro, Kwadwo Duah, Albian Hajdari.