Argentina continue their defence of the World Cup this weekend with a quarter-final clash against Switzerland. After cruising through the group phase, winning all three games and Lionel Messi rolling back the years, doubts are starting to creep in regarding Argentina's ability to go all the way again.
The knockout phase has proven difficult for the reigning world champions. They survived an almighty scare against tournament debutants Cape Verde before fighting back from 2-0 down against Egypt in the last-16 to avoid a shock elimination.
Switzerland's Historic Opportunity
Switzerland, meanwhile, overcame South American opposition in the last round as they beat Colombia on penalties to reach a World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1954. Like Argentina, the Swiss are also unbeaten at the World Cup 2026 and should feel positive about their chances of making history by progressing to a first-ever semi-final where England or Norway will lie in wait.
Date, Kick-Off Time and Venue
Argentina vs Switzerland is scheduled for a 2am BST kick-off on Sunday, July 12, 2026. The match will take place at the Kansas City Stadium.
Where to Watch Argentina vs Switzerland for FREE
TV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on ITV1, with coverage starting at 1.15am BST. Live stream: UK viewers can also catch the contest live online via the ITVX app or the ITV website. Live blog: You can follow all the action on matchday via Standard Sport's live blog. Free highlights: World Cup highlights are available on FIFA's official YouTube channel, along with BBC iPlayer / ITVX app and their websites.
Argentina vs Switzerland Team News
Argentina emerged from the Egypt game with no fresh injury concerns, but Lionel Scaloni may want to tweak the formation as the diamond system didn't quite work. In attack, Lautaro Martinez could be rewarded for his stoppage time assist for Enzo Fernandez's winner with a start alongside Messi as Julian Alvarez makes way.
Argentina squad: Goalkeepers: Juan Musso, Geronimo Rulli, Emiliano Martinez. Defenders: Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Gonzalo Montiel, Lisandro Martinez, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, Facundo Medina, Nahuel Molina. Midfielders: Leandro Paredes, Rodrigo De Paul, Valentin Barco, Giovani Lo Celso, Exequiel Palacios, Nicolas Gonzalez, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez. Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada, Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Paz, Jose Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez.
Switzerland also have a fully fit squad for the quarter-final tie, though after playing extra-time and then penalties against Colombia, it will be a case of Murat Yakin checking as to whether there are any tired legs.
Switzerland squad: Goalkeepers: Gregor Kobel, Yvon Mvogo, Marvin Keller. Defenders: Miro Muheim, Silvan Widmer, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez, Eray Comert, Aurele Amenda, Luca Jaquez. Midfielders: Denis Zakaria, Remo Freuler, Johan Manzambi, Granit Xhaka, Ardon Jashari, Djibril Sow, Michel Aebischer, Fabian Rieder. Forwards: Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye, Christian Fassnacht, Ruben Vargas, Noah Okafor, Zeki Amdouni, Cedric Itten.
Argentina vs Switzerland Prediction
While Argentina deserve credit for their comeback against Egypt, you do begin to wonder if these performances against the lower-ranked nations are sustainable. The Swiss are a difficult team to beat and, with nothing to lose and everything to gain, are even more of a dangerous opponent for the world champions. We expect another slog for Argentina with Messi dragging them to victory once more. Argentina to win, 2-1.
Head to Head (h2h) History and Results
Argentina wins: 5, Switzerland wins: 0, Draws: 2.
Argentina vs Switzerland Match Odds
Argentina to qualify: 3/10, Switzerland to qualify: 12/5. Odds via UK betting sites (subject to change). We aim to offer every online gambler and reader of The Standard a safe and fair platform through unbiased reviews and offers from the UK's best online gambling companies. Gambling can be addictive, always play responsibly and only bet what you can afford to lose. Gambling sites have a number of tools to assist you to stay in control, including deposit limits and time outs. If you think you have a problem, advice and support is available for you now from BeGambleAware or Gamcare. Any offers or odds listed in this article are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply to all offers.
