2026 World Cup: Messi’s Argentina face Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in the quarter-finals

Argentina, crowned world champions in 2022, dominated the South American qualifiers, collecting 38 points from 18 matches and building a comfortable lead over their closest challengers. Switzerland, meanwhile, are continuing their steady progress, having reached the round of 16 in the last three editions and now targeting the semi-finals, which would be their first appearance there since 1954.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is relying on a balanced team with an attacking style based on possession and quick transitions, built around the creativity and leadership of Lionel Messi, who is playing in his sixth World Cup. Switzerland, coached by Murat Yakin, employ a disciplined defensive setup in which counter-attacking speed is paramount, with experienced figures such as Granit Xhaka and Ricardo Rodríguez.

The match promises an intense tactical battle between an attacking Argentina and a disciplined Switzerland, with a place in the semi-finals at stake and the Albiceleste aiming to defend their world title. Arrowhead Stadium will provide the setting for a contest in which every detail will matter.

Argentina in focus

Coach Lionel Scaloni is fielding a 4-1-3-2 formation built around a solid defensive line featuring Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez and Nicolás Tagliafico. The midfield is anchored by holding midfielder Leandro Paredes, supported by Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernández to restart play and supply the attack. Up front, Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez form a complementary attacking duo, combining experience and dynamism.

This formation aims to combine control of the ball with attacking depth, with Messi pulling the strings to create decisive opportunities. Leandro Paredes plays a key role in winning the ball back and distributing it, while the Argentine defense will look to remain solid against Swiss counter-attacks.

Switzerland in focus

Murat Yakin is opting for a classic 4-2-3-1, emphasizing defensive stability with Gregor Kobel in goal and an experienced defense made up of Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodríguez. In midfield, Remo Freuler and Granit Xhaka, the captain and leader, provide a double shield and effective buildup play.

Further forward, Fabian Rieder, Djibril Sow and Dan Ndoye form an attacking line tasked with supporting centre-forward Breel Embolo. This setup prioritizes solidity and rapid transitions, seeking to exploit the spaces left by Argentina while maintaining a compact shape to contain Messi and his teammates.