Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds | WC 2026

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World Cup Predictions

by Fred Mwambu

1 week ago 0 7

Last Updated on July 8, 2026

Competition – FIFA World Cup 2026

Quarterfinal 3: Sunday, July 11, 2026

Kick-off – 4 am (Saturday night)

Venue – GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

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Why Argentina vs Switzerland match matters

Lionel Messi and Argentina narrowly escaped the jaws of defeat after coming from a missed penalty and 2-0 down to beat Egypt in one of the most controversial matches in recent World Cup history to seal a quarterfinal place. Yasser Ibrahim put Egypt ahead in the 15^th minute from a typical Egyptian counterattack. Messi was given a golden chance to level up five minutes later as Haissem Hassan tripped Nicolas Tagliafico in the box, but saw his second consecutive penalty saved. Egypt thought they had doubled the lead in the 58^th with Zico finishing off a well-executed counter orchestrated by Mohammed Salah, but VAR intervened for an earlier foul. Then Zico scored again from another expert counter-attack, with Egypt making sure they didn’t make another body contact that even a faulty VAR could detect from an Argentinian corner. But like every other African team, Egypt succumbed. First, Romero headed in unmarked inside six, then Messi with a non-stop volley, then Enzo Fernandez headed in off a Lautaro Martinez delivery for the comeback. Egypt attempted a VAR intervention for a possible Salah penalty, but all in vain.

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Argentina had to endure 120 minutes of similar chaotic drama to edge out debutants Cabo Verde in the Round of 32.

An ambitious Switzerland

Now this quarterfinal has all the makings of another chaotic end. Switzerland themselves came out of the group dramatically after leaving it late to see off Canada. Then ousted Algeria 2-0 and then relied on penalty lotteries to see off Colombia in the Rounds of 32 and 16.

This was the first time they had managed to win multiple knockout games in the same World Cup. It is also their first time reaching this stage since 1954, when they hosted.

Switzerland could have beaten Colombia in normal time and saved their energy, but Dan Ndoye failed to make something out of Manuel Akanji’s sublime through-ball behind the Colombian backline.

These two teams last clashed at this stage in the Brazil 2014 World Cup, where Argentina survived a late scare to win it 1-0 thanks to Angel Di Maria’s magic goal with only one minute remaining, before a penalty shootout. Their other meeting was at the 1966 finals held in England, with the South Americans winning 2-0. Argentina has always come on top and will be odds-on favourites for this clash, but Switzerland was able to absorb Colombia’s dominance and pressure. It shows how good they are when handling big-game pressure.

Messi’s fitness concerns and alternative approach

Argentina effortlessly cruised through their group stages, but the two knockout rounds have revealed a fragility that coach Lionel Scaloni will have to address. First, Messi became the first player to lose two penalties at this tournament and has missed four of his eight kicks at the FIFA World Cup. With Switzerland demonstrating that they can absorb pressure and go all the way to the penalty kicks, this is a relevant concern. Secondly, while Messi is still their best player and involved in all their attacks, finding alternative strategies is crucial.

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Argentina team news

Scaloni has managed Messi carefully but the tournament is entering a crucial stage that may need much more of his energy. Whether the coach will use him sparingly or bring him late in the game will be crucial. Cristian Romero sustained a minor knee injury in their last group game, but it resurfaced against Egypt and could be a cause for concern.

Key Argentina players to watch

Messi’s goal against Egypt extended his all-time World Cup record to 21, and at 39 years, he seems unstoppable. The Argentine captain has scored eight goals in five matches this tournament and contributed an assist against Egypt. A Messi goal should be expected with Gals Sports Betting pricing it at odds 1.83.

Lautaro Martinez had started every match for Argentina but came off the bench to set up Enzo Fernandez’s stoppage-time winner. His omission from the lineup was more of a strategy to rotate and rest players ahead of the gruelling end of the games. He has scored a goal and an assist but is an important asset in link-up plays as Argentina advances forward.

Switzerland team news

Ruben Vargas is a concern after coming off the bench against Colombia before converting the winning penalty. He picked up an injury and has managed it well, but his fitness levels are not up for a demanding 90 or 120 minutes of action.

Key Swiss players to watch

Granit Xhaka will be crucial in controlling the midfield against a very fluid Argentina midfield that is quick and very creative. His leadership abilities will be required to manage the final quarter of normal time and extra time if the match reaches there.

Breel Embolo remains their biggest attacking threat. He scored against Algeria alongside Ndoye.

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Predicted starting lineups for Switzerland vs Argentina

Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina-Cristian Romero-Lisandro Martínez-Nicolás Tagliafico; Rodrigo De Paul-Alexis Mac Allister-Enzo Fernández; Julián Álvarez-Lionel Messi-Lautaro Martínez.

Switzerland: Gregor Kobel; Silvan Widmer-Manuel Akanji-Nico Elvedi-Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler-Granit Xhaka-Ardon Jashari; Dan Ndoye-Breel Embolo-Fabian Rieder.