11/07/2026 15:04 - Deportes
The Argentine National Team would be preparing to experience a moment of high tension and emotion on July 11, 2026, at 10:00 PM (Argentine time) in Kansas City, United States. The team managed by Lionel Scaloni would face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2026, aiming to secure a spot among the top four teams on the planet.
For international context, the Argentine National Team, known as 'La Albiceleste' (The White and Sky Blue), is the defending world champion, having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The historical record shows that Argentina and Switzerland have faced each other 7 times, with a favorable balance for the South Americans of 5 wins and 2 draws. The last time both teams crossed paths in a World Cup was in Brazil 2014, a round of 16 match that was resolved in extra time thanks to an undisputed idol.
According to the Spanish newspaper AS, one of the biggest tactical challenges for Scaloni in this tournament would be finding a reliable replacement for Angel Di Maria. The legendary winger, affectionately known as 'El Fideo' (The Noodle) for his slender physique, retired from the national team after the 2024 Copa America. The left wing, once dominated by Di Maria, has seen several players rotate in search of that lost balance.
During the World Cup, the coaching staff would have tested different alternatives in that area, including Thiago Almada, Giovani Lo Celso, Julian Alvarez, and Nicolas Gonzalez. Finally, the tactical solution would point to moving Alexis Mac Allister to the flank, changing the classic 4-3-3 formation to a 4-4-2. This is the same scheme that would have prevailed against Egypt in the round of 16 with a 3-2 scoreline.
The current Rosario Central player (a historic club in Argentina's first division) would leave an indelible mark on Argentine football. His goal against Switzerland in 2014 was just a sample of his ability to deliver in critical moments, a trait that culminated in his iconic goal in the 2022 World Cup final.
| Matches played | 145 |
|---|---|
| Goals scored | 31 |
| Assists | 32 |
| Major titles | 4 (World Cup 2022, Copa America 2021 & 2024, Finalissima 2022) |
As reported by the Argentine media Rio Negro, Scaloni would ratify the team that defeated Egypt. The main doubts would lie in the full-back positions and the attack.
In the press conference prior to the match, the national coach would have declared with optimism and prudence that 'Nobody is unbeatable'. Furthermore, he would have come to the defense of forwards like Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez against criticism for their lack of goals in certain stretches of the tournament.
For his part, Lionel Messi would arrive at this commitment in sensational form, with 8 goals in the current World Cup 2026 and accumulating 21 goals in the history of the tournament, sharing the all-time World Cup scoring lead with Kylian Mbappe. The national team comes from an immaculate group stage, having beaten Algeria (3-0), Austria (2-0), and Jordan (3-1), and eliminating Cape Verde and Egypt in the knockout rounds.
Facing a rival like Switzerland, who comes from eliminating Colombia in a penalty shootout, the Argentine illusion remains intact. The quest for a spot in the semifinals promises to be a thrilling spectacle that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
