12/07/2026 16:29 - Deportes
The team, managed by Lionel Scaloni, secured another semifinal berth after defeating Switzerland in a match that stretched into extra time.
On July 11, 2026, the Argentine National Team achieved an agonizing and exciting qualification to the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Switzerland 3-1 in extra time. The goals of the match were scored by Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez, and Alexis Mac Allister, who sealed the victory in a tough game played in Kansas City. Swiss player Breel Embolo was sent off for simulation after a VAR (Video Assistant Referee) review, leaving his team with ten men in the final stretch.
The opponent in the semifinals will be England, who on the same July 11 eliminated Norway 2-1 with two goals from their star, Jude Bellingham. The European team reaches this stage with some internal tensions, as head coach Thomas Tuchel had a public exchange of words with Bellingham regarding the team's overall low performance in the tournament so far.
Lionel Messi, currently 39 years old, will play his first match against England with the senior national team after 21 years and 205 appearances for the Albiceleste. The Argentine superstar arrives dragging a minor eye injury, but with spectacular goal-scoring production: he has accumulated 8 goals in the tournament and shares the top scorer spot alongside France's Kylian Mbappé. On a historical level, Messi already has 21 goals in World Cups.
| Date and Time | Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Stadium | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta |
| Stage | 2026 World Cup Semifinals |
The English press has already begun to inflame the atmosphere ahead of the match, highlighting the historic rivalry between the two countries in the World Cups of 1966, 1986 (famous for Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God' goal), and 1998. For his part, Argentine coach Lionel Scaloni asked not to mix politics and sporting history, focusing exclusively on the game. The manager acknowledged that the team suffered against the Swiss and that they will need to improve significantly for the clash against the English.
Source: Imago Deportes
Alfredo S. Quiroga
