Argentina continue the defence of their World Cup crown when they face Switzerland on Sunday at 2am (UK time).
La Albiceleste appeared to be on the brink of exit in the last-16, trailing Egypt by two goals late on. But they kept their run going with a dramatic victory, reaching the quarter-finals for the fifth time in six tournaments. They remain perfect at the World Cup with five wins from five, topping their group. That set up a last-32 tie against Cape Verde which Argentina did need extra time to win. But Argentina will be buoyed by their late comeback last time out.
Switzerland are in the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. And they’ll be looking to make it past this stage for the first time ever. Switzerland have fallen in the last-16 in each of the past three World Cups, but they’ve already won two knockout ties in 2026. After finishing top of their group, Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 to reach the last-16. It was their first knockout stage victory since 1938, when they beat Germany after a replay. The Algeria victory set up a last-16 tie against Colombia, with Switzerland eventually winning on penalties.
This will be the eighth game between these two sides, and the third at a World Cup. The South American side have won both of those matches, while taking five of the seven overall — alongside two draws.
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Argentina vs Switzerland team news
Argentina team news
Lionel Scaloni made a slight change to personnel and system for the win over Egypt last time out. But given Argentina’s struggles, he may opt to return to a familiar setup. Julian Alvarez did not offer much by way of attacking threat against Egypt, so is likely to drop out for Lautaro Martinez. Lionel Messi will partner him in attack as usual, after extending his goalscoring run.
The midfield may see some reshuffling too. Leandro Paredes could drop out of the midfield in place of Thiago Almada, who would return to the left flank. That will see Enzo Fernandez move back to a central position alongside Alexis Mac Allister. Rodrigo De Paul should start on the right, as he has in four of Argentina’s five matches so far.
Facundo Medina may also return to the starting lineup. He wasn’t fit enough to start against Egypt but did come off the bench. He’ll likely replace Nicolas Tagliafico at left-back, as the one change in defence. Lisandro Martinez and Cristian Romero should continue as the centre-back pairing, with Nahuel Molina at right-back. Emiliano Martinez is irreplaceable in goal.
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Switzerland team news
Murat Yakin will be hoping for positive news on Johan Manzambi before they face Argentina. The promising attacking midfielder missed the win over Colombia through injury. And he may not be fit to feature here. But Djibril Sow could come in to replace Ardon Jashari as the third midfielder, after the latter’s struggles last time out.
There may be a return to the left-wing, for Ruben Vargas, who was only fit enough for a substitute appearance against Colombia. Dan Ndoye played on the left last time out, but will switch both over to the right, with Fabian Rieder dropping out. Breel Embolo will continue to lead the line. Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler are expected to continue alongside Sow in midfield.
Silvan Widmer may replace Denis Zakaria at right-back for this game. Zakaria is at risk of suspension and Yakin may not want to take that risk, in a position where he has cover. The rest of the defence should remain the same, though. Ricardo Rodriguez will start at left-back, with Nico Elvedi and Manuel Akanji the centre-backs. Gregor Kobel will start in goal.
Argentina vs Switzerland predicted lineups
Argentina (4-4-2): E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Li Martinez, Medina; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernandez, Almada; Messi, La Martinez.
Switzerland (4-3-3): Kobel; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Sow, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.
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