Argentina have etched their names into the football history books after securing a sensational 3-1 victory over Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. The reigning world champions did not just secure a place in the semi-finals; they established a milestone that no other nation has achieved since the tournament’s inception in 1930. By scoring three goals in Kansas City, the South American giants became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score two or more goals in twelve consecutive matches. This historic feat shattered the previous record of eleven successive multi-goal games, set by Uruguay between 1930 and 1954.
The highly anticipated fixture began with tremendous intensity, and Lionel Scaloni’s men wasted no time asserting their authority. In the tenth minute, Lionel Messi delivered a characteristically precise, curling corner kick into the penalty area. Alexis Mac Allister anticipated the trajectory perfectly, rising above the Swiss defence to power a brilliant header into the back of the net. Although Messi entered the match as the tournament’s joint-top goalscorer and did not find the back of the net himself on this occasion, his crucial assist set the tempo for the Albiceleste.
Switzerland, however, refused to back down and gradually gained control of the midfield. Their tactical persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Dan Ndoye capitalised on a defensive lapse to slot home a deserved equaliser. With both sides deadlocked at 1-1 at the end of the regulation ninety minutes, the high-stakes encounter headed into extra time.
The momentum swung decisively in Argentina’s favour early in extra time when Switzerland were reduced to ten men. Capitalising on the numerical advantage, Julián Álvarez produced a moment of absolute magic, unleashing a spectacular curling shot from outside the box that left the Swiss goalkeeper stranded. As Switzerland pushed forward in a desperate attempt to equalise, Lautaro Martínez delivered the final blow, finishing a swift counter-attack to seal the 3-1 win. Argentina now march on to the semi-finals, where they will face England in what promises to be a monumental clash, with their historic scoring streak firmly intact.
