Argentina holds a 1-0 lead over Switzerland at half-time in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match in Kansas City. The decisive goal came in the 10th minute from Alexis Mac Allister, who scored his first goal of the tournament with a header following a corner kick from Lionel Messi.
The match, being played at Kansas City Stadium, saw Switzerland initiate play. Both teams emerged in their traditional kits, with Argentina in light blue and white stripes and Switzerland in all-red.
First Half Action
The early stages of the game saw Switzerland making a brighter start, maintaining possession and showing intent to challenge the reigning world champions. However, Argentina quickly found their rhythm, with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez leading the attack.
The breakthrough occurred after Messi delivered a precise corner kick. Mac Allister rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner, leaving Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no opportunity to save it. This goal marked Mac Allister’s first in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and gave Argentina an early advantage.
Following the goal, Switzerland attempted to respond, creating some promising moments. Djibril Sow registered their first notable effort, a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, but it was comfortably collected by Emiliano Martínez, Argentina’s goalkeeper. Martínez also made a crucial intervention when Breel Embolo looked poised to break through, sliding in to clear the ball.
Despite Switzerland holding an advantage in possession for much of the first half, Argentina appeared content to control the tempo and seek counter-attacking opportunities. The South American side did not register another shot on goal after Mac Allister’s opener for a significant period, but still maintained control of the game.
Towards the end of the first half, the intensity of the game increased. Breel Embolo received a yellow card after a late challenge on Leandro Paredes. Four minutes of added time were played before the half-time whistle. Switzerland also had a dangerous free kick opportunity, but Remo Freuler’s direct shot sailed over the crossbar.
Team Line-ups and Strategy
Argentina’s coach Lionel Scaloni opted for an unchanged starting XI from their previous match against Egypt, fielding a 4-1-3-2 formation. The team’s attack was spearheaded by captain Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez. The midfield featured Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and goal-scorer Alexis Mac Allister.
Switzerland’s manager Murat Yakin selected a 4-2-3-1 formation for the quarter-final. The starting lineup included Gregor Kobel in goal, with a defensive line of Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Ricardo Rodríguez. The midfield was anchored by captain Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler, supported by attacking midfielders Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, and Djibril Sow, with Breel Embolo leading the attack.
Yakin made one change from the team that defeated Colombia in the Round of 16, bringing in Djibril Sow for Ardon Jashari. This adjustment aimed to enhance the team’s physicality and defensive intensity behind Embolo. Johan Manzambi was not available for the match due to a knee injury.
The second half is now underway in Kansas City, with Argentina looking to protect their lead and secure a spot in the semi-finals, while Switzerland seeks to find an equalizer.
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Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Priya Nair
Sports Reporter
