Argentina
World CupWhy this tip?
This promises to be another hard-fought encounter, but Argentina possesses greater quality and the experience of knockout football. I expect Switzerland to remain competitive through their defence but Argentina should have enough to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Match Preview
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026
Matchday: Quarter Finals
Date: Sunday,12 July 2026
Kick-off time: 03:00 (SA Time)
Venue: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
Match Details
Two teams with very different ambitions meet when champions Argentina take on Switzerland in the quarter finals of the World Cup. The South Americans were among the favourites to win the title coming into the tournament while the Swiss would have been happy just making the knockout round. The European side have already matched their best ever showing at the tournament and are aiming to clinch their first ever semi final berth. Not having any pressure could suit the Europeans as Argentina will need to deal with the pressure of being heavy favourites at the Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri. South African viewers can catch the action at 21:00 on Friday 10 July. Date: Sunday,12 July 2026
Why This Match Matters
Argentina are aiming to make their own history as they seek to win their first ever back-to-back titles and also equal the record of five titles currently held by their arch rivals Brazil. They have been far from flawless up to now and were given an almighty scare in the Round of 16 encounter against Egypt where they came from 2-0 down to win 3-2. Switzerland also made it through to the quarter finals via a tough goalless draw against Colombia before finally progressing on penalties. They will need their defence to be at its best again to keep the tournament’s top scorer, Lionel Messi at bay. This match will be a contrast of styles as the Swiss defence will be tested by the brilliance of the Argentinian attack.
Argentina vs Switzerland Head-to-Head Stats
Previous Meetings
Argentina and Switzerland have met five times before with the defending champions winning three while the other two ended in draws. These teams have met twice before in the World Cup with Argentina winning both matches but needed penalties to defeat the Swiss in their last meeting which was at the 2014 edition.
Argentina’s Recent Form
Argentina’s last five matches: WWWWW
Recent results include:
07/07/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 3-2 Egypt
04/07/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 3-2 Cape Verde (AET)
28/06/2026 (World Cup): Jordan 1-3 Argentina
22/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 2-0 Austria
17/06/2026 (World Cup): Argentina 3-0 Algeria
Recent form: La Albiceleste have been on a rollercoaster of a ride in recent matches. They got through their group matches with not too much drama as they won their games against Algeria and Austria and Jordan. Argentina were given a major score by World Cup debutants Capo Verde in the Round of 32 before prevailing 3-2 in extra time. They were on the brink of elimination in the Round of 16 against Egypt when they were two goals down but scored three in three in the final 15 minutes to progress.
Switzerland’s Recent Form
Switzerland’s last five matches: DWWWW
Recent results include:
07/07/2026 (World Cup): Switzerland 0(4)-0(3) Colombia (Switzerland won on penalties)
03/07/2026 (World Cup): Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
24/06/2026 (World Cup): Switzerland 2-1 Canada
18/06/2026 (World Cup): Switzerland 4-1 Bosnia & Herzegovina
13/06/2026 (World Cup): Qatar 1-1 Switzerland
Recent form: Switzerland had a slow start to their World Cup with an underwhelming draw against Qatar in their opening group match before finding form with an excellent 4-1 victory over Bosnia. They grew with confidence and claimed a morale boosting 2-1 win over Canada in their final group game. The Swiss cantered to a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the Round of 32 before dumping Colombia out in the Round of 16 after winning a penalty shootout.
Team News
Argentina Team News
Coach Lionel Scaloni could make a few changes to his starting XI after an unconvincing display against Egypt. They lacked any bite in attack so Lautaro Martínez could return to the starting lineup after Julián Álvarez struggled to make an impact.
Injuries: There are no injury concerns.
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Even at 39 years of age, Lionel Messi remains the focal point of the Argentina team as he leads the goal scorers’ charts with eight. He is again expected to provide the inspiration in attack with his vision, creativity and finishing ability. The return of Lautaro Martínez will help in attack as he has an eye for goal. Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul and Alexis MacAllister will have an important task as they seek to control possession and limit the influence of Granit Xhaka in the middle of the park. Defensively, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martínez must keep a close watch on the dangerous Breel Embolo. Emiliano Martínez will be keen to keep a clean sheet after conceding four goals in the last two matches.
Switzerland Team News
Coach Murat Yakin is sweating over the fitness of Johan Manzambi, who missed Switzerland’s Round of 16 victory over Colombia with an injury. The breakout star remains a doubt for the quarter-final against Argentina. If he doesn’t recover in time, Djibril Sow could be brought into the team to replace Ardon Jashari who had an off day against Colombia.
Injuries: Johan Manzambi is the big injury concern for the Swiss
Suspensions: No suspensions.
Key players to watch: Switzerland will need Breel Embolo to be at his best to lead the attack with his strength and movement which will be key against an organised and experienced Argentina defence. They will also be hoping breakout star Johan Manzambi recovers from injury and is fit enough to make an impact, even if it is from the bench, as his dribbling ability and creativity have been one of Switzerland’s biggest weapons at this World Cup. The Swiss attack looked toothless without him against Colombia. In midfield, Granit Xhaka, Djibril Sow and Remo Freuler have the difficult task of trying to keep the potent Argentinian midfield at bay. Gregor Kobel will need another outstanding display if Switzerland are to book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina Predicted XI
Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina; Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Thiago Almada; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez.
Switzerland Predicted XI
Gregor Kobel; Silvan Widmer, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Ricardo Rodríguez; Djibril Sow, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Ruben Vargas.
Best Betting Markets for Argentina vs Switzerland
Match Winner
Prediction: Argentina to win @ (1.73) at Hollywoodbets
Over/Under Goals
Prediction: Over 2.5 Goals @(2.20) at WSB
Both Teams to Score
Prediction: Both Teams to Score-Yes @ (2.15) at Betway
Anytime Goalscorer
Prediction: Messi to score anytime @ (1.95) at Easybet
Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction
Best Bet
Prediction: Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals @(2.90) at Hollywoodbets
Correct Score Prediction
Prediction: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland @ (10.00) at Easybet
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Match analysis and verdict
Argentina have looked good in patches during the tournament like the last 15 minutes against Egypt was another level but they usually water tight defence was breached four times in the last two games. The one glaring point is their over reliance on Messi, if the Swiss can find a way to keep him out the game, this match could be tighter than expected.
Switzerland have exceeded expectations to reach the quarter-finals thanks to their organisation, disciplined defending and the experience of players like Gregor Kobel, Manuel Akanji and Granit Xhaka. The major issue for them without Manzambi is that they lack any bite in attack.
This promises to be another hard-fought encounter, but Argentina possesses greater quality and the experience of knockout football. I expect Switzerland to remain competitive through their defence but Argentina should have enough to secure a 2-1 victory and book their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Prediction: Argentina 2 – 1 Switzerland
Writer / Betting tipster
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