Argentina currently holds a 1-0 lead over Switzerland at half-time in their FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-final match at Kansas City Stadium. The lone goal came in the 10th minute from Alexis Mac Allister, marking his first goal of the tournament.
The goal originated from a corner kick delivered by Lionel Messi, who has now contributed to several goals in the competition. Mac Allister rose to head the ball into the bottom-right corner, leaving Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with no opportunity to save it.
First Half Action
The match began with Switzerland showing early intent and enjoying possession, aiming to unsettle the reigning world champions. However, Argentina soon gained control, with Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez leading the attack.
Argentina‘s initial pressure led to a corner after Alexis Mac Allister‘s shot took a deflection. Shortly after, Messi delivered a dangerous low corner that flashed through the box, leading to another corner. It was from this subsequent corner that Mac Allister scored.
Following the goal, Switzerland attempted to find a response. Djibril Sow managed their first real effort, a powerful strike from outside the penalty area, but it was directly at Emiliano Martínez, who collected it comfortably. Emiliano Martínez also made a crucial intervention when Breel Embolo nearly broke through inside the box, sliding in to get a clean touch on the ball.
The game saw a hydration break during the first half. Towards the end of the half, Breel Embolo received a yellow card for a late challenge on Leandro Paredes. Switzerland also earned a dangerous free kick on the edge of the penalty area, but Remo Freuler‘s direct shot sailed over the crossbar.
Despite Switzerland having more possession for periods, Argentina appeared to be in control, often allowing Switzerland to hold the ball before looking for counter-attacking opportunities. Argentina did not register another shot after Mac Allister‘s goal for the next 35 minutes of the half, yet maintained their lead.
Team Line-ups and Preparations
Argentina‘s manager Lionel Scaloni named an unchanged starting XI from their 3-2 victory against Egypt in the Round of 16. The team lined up in an attacking 4-1-3-2 formation, with Lionel Messi captaining the side alongside Julián Álvarez up front.
The Argentina starting XI included Emiliano Martínez in goal; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, and Nicolás Tagliafico in defence; Leandro Paredes as a defensive midfielder; and Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, and Alexis Mac Allister in midfield.
For Switzerland, manager Murat Yakin made one change to the team that defeated Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16, with Djibril Sow replacing Ardon Jashari. Switzerland adopted a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The Switzerland starting XI featured Gregor Kobel as goalkeeper; Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, and Ricardo Rodríguez in defence; Remo Freuler and captain Granit Xhaka as defensive midfielders; Dan Ndoye, Fabian Rieder, and Djibril Sow in attacking midfield; and Breel Embolo as the forward. Johan Manzambi was not in the matchday squad due to a knee injury.
The match is being played under clear blue skies and warm conditions in Kansas City. The winner of this quarter-final will advance to face either England or Norway in Dallas.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
