Argentina Advances to World Cup Semifinals Despite Struggles and Controversies

Argentina secured a spot in the 2026 World Cup semifinals after defeating Switzerland in the quarterfinals, marking the third time in World Cup history that all four semifinalists are former champions, a feat previously achieved only in 1970 and 1990. Argentina entered the match with an average squad age of 30 years and 177 days, the oldest lineup in a World Cup quarterfinal since Brazil faced England in 1962. This experience has been crucial for Argentina, which has not lost a knockout stage match in a major tournament since a 2-0 defeat to Brazil in the 2019 Copa America. Since then, they have remained unbeaten in decisive matches across Copa America 2021, the 2022 World Cup, Copa America 2024, and now the 2026 tournament.

Despite occasional underwhelming performances and some luck, Argentina's victories continue, aided by emerging talents like Julián Álvarez, whose impressive form has attracted transfer interest estimated between 100 and 150 million euros. Captain Lionel Messi, while not scoring in the quarterfinal, provided an assist, the tenth of his World Cup career, demonstrating his ongoing influence by creating over 20 scoring chances in three different World Cups (2014, 2022, and 2026), a record since data collection began in 1966.

The match also featured a controversial red card issued to Swiss player Breel Embolo. Initially, a yellow card was given to Argentina's Leonardo Paredes for a foul, but after a VAR review, the referee rescinded that card and instead sent off Embolo for simulation, making him only the fourth player since 1966 to be dismissed for diving. This decision fueled perceptions among many fans that Argentina benefits from favorable refereeing, contributing to the team becoming one of the most disliked in the tournament, especially after eliminating Cape Verde and Egypt, whose players and coaches displayed Palestinian flags, leading to inflammatory social media reactions.

Looking ahead, Argentina will face England in the semifinals, a match loaded with historical significance. It comes 40 years after Diego Maradona's "Hand of God" incident and exactly 60 years after England's sole World Cup victory, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence, the host nation of the tournament. These milestones set the stage for a highly anticipated and symbolic clash.