Alexis Mac Allister opened the scoring for Argentina in the 10th minute as Argentina edged past Switzerland 2-1 in a World Cup quarter-final on 6 July 2026.

What happened in the quarter-final?

The match started fast, and Argentina struck early. A counter-attack saw Julian Alvarez carry the ball into the box before Lautaro Martinez pounced on the rebound to slot home after a blocked shot from Alejandro Darío Almada. The goal came just after Emiliano Martinez and Mac Allister collided in a challenge, forcing both to briefly leave the field for treatment.

Switzerland fought back late. Alvarez’s first World Cup goal—a curling strike from distance—put Argentina 2-1 ahead with five minutes left, but the Swiss kept pushing. Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji marshalled the defence, while Yann Sommer made key saves to keep his side in the game.

Why Mac Allister’s role mattered

Mac Allister’s presence in midfield gave Argentina control early. His work rate and pressing allowed Enzo Fernandez to link play, while his physicality disrupted Swiss rhythm. The collision with Martinez in the 10th minute—where both went down—highlighted the game’s intensity.

Argentina’s defence held firm in the final 20 minutes. Cesar Montes and Nicolas Otamendi cleared crucial balls under pressure, while Giovani Lo Celso added energy off the bench. The Swiss had one last surge in extra time, but Josip Juranovic’s header flew over as the clock ticked toward penalties.

What comes next for Argentina?

Argentina now faces England in the semi-finals in Atlanta, Georgia, at 5am AEST on 10 July 2026. The winner will book a spot in the final against either France or Spain, who play in Arlington, Texas, at the same time.

This marks the first time the top four FIFA-ranked teams have reached the semi-finals together. For Mac Allister, it’s another step toward cementing his role in a squad chasing back-to-back World Cup titles.

Key talking points from the match

  • Alvarez’s breakthrough: The Manchester City striker scored his first World Cup goal, a 42nd-minute strike that put Argentina ahead.
  • Swiss resilience: Despite the loss, Murat Yakin’s side showed fight, nearly equalising late through Noah Okafor’s header.
  • Mac Allister’s impact: The Brighton midfielder’s early contribution set the tone, even as he exited briefly injured.
  • Defensive battles: Both keepers—Sommer and Emiliano Martinez—made crucial stops to keep the game tight until the end.