Argentina's knockout journey so far at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has not come easy after an uncomfortable 3-2 win over Cape Verde in the Round of 32, followed by an incredible 3-2 comeback against Egypt to reach the quarterfinals.

Lionel Scaloni's men come face-to-face with Switzerland who are looking to reach their first ever World Cup semi-final. The Swiss side overcame Algeria with a 2-0 win in the Round of 32 followed by a win on penalties against a strong Colombia side. Gregor Kobel's decisive penalty save to stop Juan Hernandez secured the Nati's place in the final eight.

Both nations topped their groups without losing a game and have seen major confidence in recent tournaments. Argentina, of course, the defending champions after winning in Qatar 2022, whilst the Swiss have reached the knockout rounds in each of the last two World Cups and the quarter finals in each of the last two Euros.

Argentina have found the most joy through moving the ball quickly, utilising the strengths of their players' technical ability to play around teams opening gaps and making threatening runs to put pressure on defences. Talisman Lionel Messi has been at the heart of it all with the 39-year-old tallying eight goals so far in the tournament putting him on par with Kylian Mbappe.

Switzerland have seen their joy through their relentlessness big chance creation and variability in the final third. Breakout star Johan Manzambi has caught the attention of fans across the tournament with his impressive performances racking up five goals and assists in four matches at only 20 years old.

Previous tournaments have seen the Swiss overcome seemingly impossible tasks and push opponents right to the end. Euro 2024 saw Switzerland overcome the previous winners Italy in a 2-0 victory, shortly followed by narrowly losing to England on penalties. Euro 2020 saw Switzerland eliminate France on penalties before losing on penalties to Spain.

The Swiss have the capabilities to push top teams to the end and will be looking at the previous Argentina performances with a hunger to capitalise. The South Americans have been caught sleeping on multiple occasions now, often conceding from crosses into the box. This is a potential route for Switzerland to exploit with the deliveries from wide targeted to the likes of Breel Embolo.

The Argentines will be looking for major improvements after their last two fixtures where they had to dig deep and rely on a combination of the squad depth and some good fortune to get past Cape Verde and Egypt.

Facing one of Europe's top goalkeepers will be a tough test for the South Americans, but as the favourites to win the tie, their attacking quality and team cohesion. Argentina win the ball back with supreme efficiency and will look to suffocate any Swiss opportunities immediately.

Unfortunately for the Swiss squad, injuries have plagued the squad and will undoubtably have an effect against the Argentines. Three players are a worry for manager Murat Yakin.

Star player Manzambi is ruled out after missing their clash with Colombia a knee injury. This leaves his place open for Ardon Jashari of AC Milan who could continue to fill in. Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez also remain doubtful after picking knocks earlier in the tournament. 

Rennes striker Breel Embolo is expected to continue as the starting striker despite failing to register a shot against a defensively solidified Colombia side.

La Albiceleste head into the game with their own injury updates as Facundo Medina and Nicolas Tagliafico fight out for their place as starting left-back for Scaloni. 

Despite missing from the penalty spot for the second time this tournament, Messi will undoubtably captain his nation as they look to secure a place in the final four. However, doubts remain over who will partner him up front.

Inter's Lautaro Martinez found himself benched for Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez against the Egyptians, but it was the Inter man who made the match winning assist to Enzo Fernandez in injury time after coming from the bench. Whether Scaloni will opt for Martinez's impact from the bench of reward his efforts with a start is yet to be known.

Argentina 2-1 Switzerland

Switzerland are dangerous and certainly have the capability to hurt Argentina, but a combination of injuries and quality in depth may be the end of the line for them. The Argentines proved against Egypt that they will relentlessly push to the final whistle. The latter stages of the game will likely leave gaps in both sides as players tire. Argentina have the quality and efficiency in front of goal to get over the line and claim their place against either Norway or England.