The 2026 World Cup quarter-final between Switzerland and Argentina is underway in Kansas City, with both teams’ line-ups confirmed ahead of kick-off.
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has included three Bundesliga regulars in his starting eleven. Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is joined by Borussia Mönchengladbach defender Nico Elvedi and FC Augsburg midfielder Fabian Rieder. However, Johan Manzambi misses out through injury. The Freiburg midfielder, who recently agreed a move to Newcastle United, suffered a further setback following his appearance in the previous round.
Defending champions Argentina include captain Lionel Messi and forward Julián Álvarez in their attack. The pair have driven the Albiceleste’s progress past Cabe Verde and Egypt in earlier rounds. Bayer Leverkusen’s Exequiel Palacios begins among the substitutes.
Confirmed Line-ups
Switzerland XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Xhaka (c), Freuler; Ndoye, Rieder, Sow; Embolo.
Argentina XI: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; de Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi (c); Alvarez.
Road to the Last Eight
Switzerland secured their first World Cup quarter-final berth since 1938 by defeating Colombia on penalties in the Round of 16. Kobel collected the man-of-the-match award for his performance in that shoot-out victory.
Argentina navigated past African opposition in Cabe Verde and Egypt to reach this stage, with Messi delivering decisive contributions in both fixtures.
The victors will advance to the semi-finals and move within two victories of retaining or lifting the trophy. Switzerland are seeking to surpass their 1938 achievement, while Argentina aim to maintain their title defence against a disciplined Swiss unit featuring significant German top-flight experience.