Messi's army continues its controversial title defence - Swiss' gang hopes for historic upset
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Reading Time: 3min | Sat. 11.07.26. | 18:00
The dramatic Round of 16 victory over Egypt is now in the past. The reigning champions and Switzerland will battle tonight for a place among the world's top four (04 AM)
Lionel Messi and Argentina will continue their pursuit of back-to-back World Cup titles when they face Switzerland in this evening's quarter-final.
Argentina will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the World Cup knockout stages when they take on Switzerland in Kansas City, while the Swiss are aiming to end a 72-year wait for a place in the World Cup semi-finals.
La Albiceleste made World Cup history in the Round of 16, becoming the first team ever to come from two or more goals down after the 78th minute and still win in normal time, defeating Egypt 3-2 in a thrilling encounter.
That dramatic comeback extended Argentina's unbeaten World Cup run to 11 matches (nine wins, two draws), their longest streak in the tournament's history, bringing them one step closer to becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup.
Their current run of 12 consecutive victories further underlines why Lionel Scaloni's side remain the team to beat. Argentina have allowed opponents just nine shots on target throughout the tournament, but the fact they have conceded five goals from those nine efforts suggests they have occasionally been vulnerable when giving away clear-cut chances.
Switzerland, meanwhile, booked their place in the quarter-finals by defeating Colombia on penalties, reaching the last eight of a World Cup for the first time since 1954. Their Round of 16 clash was only the second knockout match at a World Cup since the start of the 2018 tournament to remain goalless even after extra time.
This edition has already become a historic one for Murat Yakin's men, as it marks the first time Switzerland have won two knockout matches at a single World Cup. The penalty shootout triumph over Colombia was also just their second victory in their last six shootouts at major international tournaments, another significant milestone for the team currently ranked 14th in the FIFA World Rankings.
Having suffered only one defeat in their last 19 matches across all competitions (12 wins, six draws), and that loss coming in a friendly, Switzerland arrive full of confidence ahead of what is undoubtedly their toughest test of the tournament.
Zurich erupted after Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final in 72 YEARS. 🇨🇭🤯
— 90 Plus (@90PlusHQ) July 8, 2026
Their last appearance at this stage came all the way back in 1954.
What a moment for Swiss football. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/5nLbSE3Jse
History, however, offers little encouragement. Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in seven previous meetings, drawing twice and losing five times, including defeats in both of their previous World Cup encounters.
The Swiss have also traditionally struggled against South American opposition at the World Cup, winning just two of their previous 10 such matches (two draws, six defeats), although one of those victories came against Colombia in the previous round.
WORLD CUP - KNOCKOUT STAGE
Quarter-finals
Thursday
France - Morocco 2-0 (0-0)
/Mbappe 60, Dembele 66/
Friday
Spain - Belgium 2-1 (1-1)
/Ruiz 30, Merino 88 - De Ketelaere 41/
Sunday
00.00: (4.00) Norway (3.70) England (1.90)
04.00: (1.75) Argentina (3.50) Switzerland (5.50)
***odds are subject to change***