Argentina Set to Face Switzerland in FIFA World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals

Defending champions Argentina are set to face Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With a strong unbeaten record against the Swiss, Argentina looks to secure their place in the semifinals. The two teams have a rich history, with Argentina winning five of their seven encounters. This match promises to be a thrilling continuation of their rivalry, as both teams aim for glory on the world stage. Will Argentina maintain their dominance, or can Switzerland pull off an upset? Read on to find out more about this exciting clash.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 12, 2026, 02:13 IST

Argentina vs. Switzerland: A Historic Rivalry

On Saturday, July 12, the reigning champions Argentina will clash with Switzerland in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the match taking place at local time. Argentina enters this knockout stage with a remarkable unbeaten streak against the Swiss team.

Historically, the two nations have faced each other seven times, with Argentina emerging victorious in five encounters and the other two ending in draws. Over these matches, Argentina has netted 15 goals while allowing only three, maintaining a perfect record against Switzerland for nearly sixty years.

Their inaugural World Cup meeting occurred during the 1966 tournament in England, where Argentina triumphed 2-0 in the group stage, thanks to goals from Luis Artime and Ermindo Onega.

Argentina's dominance continued in subsequent friendly matches, including a resounding 5-0 win in Cordoba in 1980 and a 2-0 victory in Bern four years later. The other two friendlies resulted in 1-1 draws, in 1990 and 2007, with Abel Balbo and Carlos Tevez scoring for Argentina.

One of the standout moments in their rivalry took place in a friendly in Bern in 2012, where Lionel Messi achieved his first international hat-trick, leading Argentina to a 3-1 victory over Switzerland.

The most memorable World Cup encounter occurred in the Round of 16 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. After a fiercely contested match, Argentina broke the deadlock in the 117th minute of extra time, with Messi assisting Angel Di Maria, who scored the decisive goal to advance Argentina to the quarterfinals.

Switzerland nearly forced a penalty shootout in the dying moments, but Blerim Dzemaili's header hit the post, and the rebound went wide off his knee.

As both teams gear up for this World Cup showdown, Argentina aims to maintain their unbeaten record against Switzerland and secure a spot in the semifinals, continuing their quest to defend their FIFA World Cup title.