Argentina are set to play Switzerland in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals in Kansas City. The reigning champions, Argentina, will be looking to secure a spot in the semi-finals, following a dramatic comeback victory against Egypt in the last 16. That match saw Lionel Messi inspire his team, with Enzo Fernandez scoring a stoppage-time winner.
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina‘s coach, expressed his confidence in Messi, stating that the captain will remain the best player as long as he chooses to continue playing. Messi has been a key figure in Argentina‘s campaign, scoring eight goals in five matches and becoming the leading scorer in World Cup history with 21 career goals. Despite missing two penalties in the tournament, Scaloni affirmed that he would not prevent Messi from taking future spot-kicks.
Switzerland, who reached the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years after a penalty shootout victory over Colombia, are preparing for a challenging match. Coach Murat Yakin confirmed that leading scorer Johan Manzambi will miss the game due to a knee injury. Manzambi, who has three goals and two assists in the tournament, also missed the last-16 match.
Team Preparations and Player Focus
Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka described the quarter-final as a career highlight, expressing pride in playing against the reigning champions. He emphasised the team’s determination to win and fulfil their dreams, urging fans to keep dreaming. Xhaka also highlighted the importance of performance on the pitch, stating, “The only thing we can do is we can perform and show what we can do on the pitch. Nothing else matters.”
Yakin outlined his strategy for containing Messi, suggesting that denying him possession would limit his influence. He stated that Switzerland would focus on playing their own game, aiming to perform as a unit, play good passes, and press high against Argentina.
For Argentina, Messi‘s physical condition has been a topic of discussion, especially after recovering from a muscle strain before the tournament. However, Scaloni noted that Messi‘s running statistics have remained consistent across matches, attributing his sustained performance to dedicated preparation work with his fitness coach.
Yellow cards reset after the group stages and the quarter-finals in the World Cup. This means a booking in the semi-finals would not prevent a player from participating in the final. However, a player booked in the last 32 and last 16 would miss a quarter-final, and a player booked in the last 32/last 16 and the quarter-finals would miss a semi-final.
Kansas City’s World Cup Experience
Kansas City has been a central hub for the World Cup, hosting six games, including a round-of-16 match and the quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium. The city has welcomed numerous fans from various nations, transforming into a global meeting place and offering residents a unique blend of sport, culture, and community.
Clark Hunt, honorary co-chair of the KC 2026 board and chairman and CEO of the Chiefs, reflected on the past month, describing it as “very special for Kansas City to have a chance to be on the international stage.” He expressed hope that the city would have the opportunity to host the tournament again in the future. Pam Kramer, KC 2026 Chief Executive, believes the tournament’s legacy will extend beyond football, showcasing Kansas City as a destination for business, investment, and new residents.
Actor Jason Sudeikis, known for his role as Ted Lasso, hosted a watch party at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City for the Argentina vs. Switzerland match. The stadium, home to the National Women’s Soccer League club Kansas City Current, is the first of its size built specifically for a women’s professional club. The upcoming fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” set to premiere on August 5, will focus on the newly formed AFC Richmond women’s team, with scenes shot around Kansas City, including at CPKC Stadium.
If Argentina defeats Switzerland, they will advance to face either England or Norway in the semi-finals.
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Source: independent.co.uk
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”