Argentina vs Switzerland Preview - prediction, team news, lineups | FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarter Finals

Can Rossocrociati pull big upset against reigning world champions Argentina in Kansas City?

Kansas City Stadium in the United States of America gears up to host the quarterfinals fixtures of the FIFA World Cup 2026, where the defending world champions Argentina and European outfit Switzerland lock horns in what is set to be a thrilling contest.

La Albiceleste’s road to the quarterfinals have not been easy at all. After being held to a 1-1 draw after 90 minutes against debutants Cape Verde, Lionel Scaloni’s men were on the verge of elimination against the Pharaohs who were 2 goals up till 75 minutes before Argentina scripted a world class comeback.

Argentina, who were exceptional in the group stages, have been fragile defensively, conceding four goals in the last two games. Lionel Scaloni must fix his defensive woes as they take on Switzerland, their best-ranked opponent so far in the quarter-finals.

Nobody saw Rossocrociati making it to the quarterfinals. Football pundits predicted an all-American quarterfinals between Colombia and Argentina, but Murat Yakin’s men fought valorously in the Round of 16 to keep Colombian attacking trio of Luis Diaz, James Rodriguez and Luis Suarez quiet.

The game went to penalties, and Dortmund keeper Gregor Kobel stood strong, and Switzerland won the game on penalties. The Swiss are not the favourites, but they will leave no stone unturned to pull a big upset to eliminate the world champions, Argentina.

The winner of this game will lock horns with either Norway or England in the second semi-final of FIFA World Cup 2026.

The quarterfinals brings a fierce, knockout intensity where reputations matter less than 90 minutes of pure desire. The tournament enters a phase where absolute underdogs can stun football giants. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle where any result is possible and either side has everything it takes to win.

Kick-off:

• Location: Kansas City, Missouri, USA
• Stadium: Kansas City Stadium (Arrowhead Stadium)
• Date: Saturday, July 11
• Kick-off time: 1 a.m. BST, 8 p.m. local CDT [ Sunday, July 12 at 6:30 a.m. IST]
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: In use

Form:

Argentina (in all competitions): W-W-L-W-W

Switzerland (in all competitions): W-W-W-D-W

Players to Watch

Enzo Fernandez (Argentina)

The best young player of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Fernandez, is leading La Albiceleste in the midfield with a lot of maturity and scored the winner against Egypt in the last game. He has played almost every single minute for Argentina so far, except the Jordan game, where he was rested.

The Chelsea midfielder will be up against a strong Swiss midfield boasting Granit Xhaka and Jashari. Named after Uruguayan footballing icon Enzo Francescoli, the former Benfica midfielder operates from the base of the midfield. He won silverware last here in the USA with Chelsea in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

Gregor Kobel (Switzerland)

The Dortmund keeper has kept two back-to-back clean sheets and played a big role in propelling the Swiss to the quarterfinals after his heroics against Colombia in penalty shootouts. An elite modern shot stopper, Kobel’s presence between the sticks give a big advantage to Switzerland.

He will be up against an elite Argentine attack, boasting Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez. The undisputed hero of Switzerland’s historic World Cup run, Kobel has a lot of experience playing across top European clubs like Stuttgart and Augsburg before making a move to Dortmund.

Match Facts

• Switzerland have never won a game against Argentina.
• These two sides met twice in FIFA World Cup 1966 and 2014 and Argentina won twice.
• Lionel Messi is the leading goalscorer in this fixture.

Argentina vs Switzerland: Betting Tips and Odds

• Match to end in draw – 5/2 with bet365
• Lautaro Martinez to score – 7/4 with bet365
• Argentina 2-2 Switzerland – 10/11 with bet365

Injury and Team News

After Julian Alvarez failed to impress much, Scaloni is expected to start Lautaro Martinez in the next game. Apart from that, Facundo Medina, who is fit now is expected to start alongside Thiago Almada.

Murat Yakin have some major injury concerns. Freiburg midfielder Johan Manzambi, Michel Aebischer of Pisa and Stuttgart lad Luca Jaquez remain doubtful for the next game against Argentina.

Head-to-Head

Total games: 07

Argentina won: 05

Switzerland won: 00

Matches drawn: 02

Predicted Lineups

Argentina predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Emiliano Martínez (GK); Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.

Switzerland predicted lineup (4-3-3)

Gregor Kobel (GK); Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.

Match Prediction

Argentina’s games in the knockout rounds have been pretty interesting. We expect the defending champions to win the game on penalties. This is all set to be a high-scoring thriller, where 120 minutes seem difficult to separate the two sides.

Prediction: Argentina 2-2 Switzerland (Argentina to win on penalties)

Telecast Details

India: Unite8 Sports Channels, ZEE5

UK: BBC & ITV

USA: FOX Sports

Nigeria: DStv, GOtv

Full Broadcaster List here.

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