Argentina vs Switzerland: Defending champions eye semi-final spot at FIFA World Cup 2026

Defending champions Argentina will continue their quest for back-to-back FIFA World Cup titles when they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals at Kansas City Stadium on Sunday (IST).

With a place in the last four on the line, Lionel Scaloni’s side will be favourites, but Switzerland have already scripted history in North America and arrive with plenty of belief after their best-ever World Cup run.

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Argentina have once again leaned on the brilliance of captain Lionel Messi, whose goals and leadership have powered the Albiceleste through another deep run. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been instrumental throughout the tournament, becoming the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer while continuing to deliver in the knockout rounds.

The defending champions, however, have not had it easy. They needed extra time to edge tournament debutants Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 before staging a dramatic late comeback to overcome Egypt 3-2 in the Round of 16, underlining both their resilience and championship pedigree.

Switzerland, meanwhile, has quietly emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages. Murat Yakin’s side reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 after defeating Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 before holding their nerve in a penalty shootout against Colombia despite missing key midfielder Johan Manzambi.

Led by captain Granit Xhaka and marshalled in defence by Manuel Akanji, the Swiss will hope to frustrate Argentina and pull off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Key battle

Much of the spotlight will once again be on Messi as he looks to inspire Argentina into another World Cup semi-final, while Switzerland’s disciplined defensive unit, led by Akanji, faces the daunting task of containing one of football’s greatest players.

Argentina’s experience in high-pressure knockout matches makes them favourites, but Switzerland have already exceeded expectations and will believe another upset is within reach.

When and where to watch Argentina vs Switzerland

Date: Sunday, July 12

Kick-off: 6:30 AM IST

Venue: Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City

Live streaming: Zee5 (subscription required)

Live telecast: Unite8 Sports 1, Unite8 Sports 1 HD, Unite8 Sports 2 and Unite8 Sports 2 HD

Squad

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.