Argentina vs Switzerland Live Score: H2H, Lineups & Player Stats
Follow the Argentina vs Switzerland live score here, with goals, cards, and substitutions updating in real time. This World Cup 2026 quarterfinal is played at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday, July 11, with a place in the semifinals on the line.
Reigning champions Argentina arrive as heavy favorites, led by Lionel Messi, who tops the Golden Boot race, though they have survived two big scares in the knockouts.
Switzerland are the tournament's dark horses, into their first quarterfinal since 1954 and full of belief after knocking out Colombia. Use the sections below to compare both squads.
Argentina vs Switzerland Head to Head
Argentina vs Switzerland is a fixture Argentina have dominated, having never lost to the Swiss in seven meetings, winning five and drawing two.
Their most memorable clash came at the 2014 World Cup, when Argentina won a tense Round of 16 tie 1-0 through Angel Di Maria's late extra-time goal, set up by Lionel Messi.
Switzerland will hope to finally break that run on the biggest stage.
How Argentina and Switzerland Reached the Quarterfinals
Argentina
Argentina won Group J with a perfect record, then survived two dramatic knockout games. They edged Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time in the Round of 32, before an extraordinary Round of 16 comeback against Egypt, scoring three times in the last 11 minutes to win 3-2 after trailing 2-0.
Lionel Scaloni's reigning champions rely heavily on Messi but have shown they never know when they are beaten.
Switzerland
Switzerland won Group B, then beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 before a tense Round of 16 against Colombia, which finished 0-0 and went to penalties, where the Swiss held their nerve to win the shootout.
Murat Yakin's side are organized, disciplined, and hard to break down, having lost just once in their last 18 matches, and are led by the outstanding Granit Xhaka in midfield.
Argentina vs Switzerland Expected Lineups
Both managers will field their strongest available sides. Confirmed lineups appear in the live lineup card above about an hour before kickoff.
Argentina: Emiliano Martinez starts in goal, with captain Lionel Messi leading the attack. Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez support him up front, with Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister controlling a strong midfield.
Switzerland: Switzerland are set up to defend deep and counter. Gregor Kobel starts in goal behind Manuel Akanji, with captain Granit Xhaka running midfield and Breel Embolo leading the line. Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas provide pace and width, with young star Johan Manzambi a fitness question.
Argentina vs Switzerland Key Players and Player Stats
The live player stats above update during the match. Here is the squad context to watch for.
Argentina:
- Lionel Messi: the captain and all-time World Cup top scorer, leading the Golden Boot race with eight goals.
- Enzo Fernandez: the midfielder who scored the dramatic stoppage-time winner against Egypt.
- Rodrigo De Paul: the tireless midfielder and Messi's key connection in the side.
- Cristian Romero: the commanding center-back who also scored in the comeback against Egypt.
Switzerland:
- Granit Xhaka: the captain and midfield general, in the best form of his international career.
- Breel Embolo: the striker and focal point of Switzerland's attack.
- Dan Ndoye: the winger whose pace and directness stretch defenses on the counter.
- Ruben Vargas: the attacker who scored the decisive penalty in the shootout win over Colombia.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Everything You Need to Know
What time does Argentina vs Switzerland kick off?
Argentina vs Switzerland kicks off at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, July 11, 2026. That is 8 p.m. local time in Kansas City and 2 a.m. BST on Sunday in the UK.
How can I watch Argentina vs Switzerland?
In the United States, the match airs on FOX and Telemundo, with streaming on Fubo. UK viewers can watch on BBC or ITV.
How many goals does Lionel Messi have at the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi leads the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot race with eight goals. He has also extended his own record for the most goals in World Cup history to 21, having now scored in eight consecutive World Cup matches.
What happens if Argentina vs Switzerland ends in a draw?
If the score is level after 90 minutes, the match goes to 30 minutes of extra time, then a penalty shootout if still tied. Knockout games cannot end in a draw.
Who does the winner play in the semifinals?
The winner advances to the semifinals in Atlanta on July 15, where they will face the winner of Norway versus England.
When did Switzerland last reach the World Cup quarterfinals?
Switzerland have reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954. The last eight is their best-ever finish, achieved in 1934, 1938, and 1954, and they had lost at the Round of 16 in five of their previous six tournaments.
Argentina vs Switzerland: What to Expect
The Argentina vs Switzerland quarterfinal pits the reigning champions against the tournament's biggest surprise package, with a place in the semifinals at stake.
Expect Argentina to dominate the ball and look to Messi for a moment of magic, while Switzerland stay compact, lean on Xhaka, and hope to frustrate their way to another upset.
With a place in the semifinals on the line, follow the live score, lineups, and any extra time or penalties above.
