Who will reach the World Cup semi-finals? Prediction: Argentina vs Switzerland – July 12, 2026
In the early hours of Sunday, July 12, Argentina and Switzerland will meet in the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup. Kick-off is scheduled for 03:00 CET, and here's my betting pick for the match.
Argentina vs Switzerland: Match preview
Argentina are the reigning world champions and are determined to add another title to their collection. A few years ago they lifted the Copa América, and now they have already reached the World Cup quarter-finals. Lionel Messi's side enjoyed an outstanding qualifying campaign, finishing top of their group. They also produced excellent results in the group stage, winning all three matches. A perfect nine points secured them a more favourable path through the knockout bracket.
Even so, nothing has come easily. Argentina defeated Cape Verde 3-2 after extra time before producing a dramatic comeback against Egypt. Trailing 2-0 in the 79th minute, Messi and company turned the game on its head to claim a remarkable 3-2 victory in regulation time. As for Lionel Messi himself, he is among the tournament's leading scorers with eight goals to his name.
Switzerland were drawn into a group that included one of the tournament's co-hosts, Canada, and enjoyed a strong campaign. They were held to a surprising draw against Qatar in their opening match before recording two victories, thrashing Bosnia 4-1 and then edging Canada 2-1 in the final group-stage fixture. Switzerland progressed to the knockout stage as group winners and faced Algeria in the Round of 32, where the European side comfortably secured a 2-0 victory without giving their opponents a chance.
In the Round of 16, they faced a hugely demanding test against Colombia, with the match only being decided in a penalty shootout. Switzerland came out on top 4-3 to book their place in the quarter-finals. This marks just the fourth time in the nation's history that they have reached the last eight of a World Cup. They now stand on the brink of a historic achievement—a first-ever appearance in the semi-finals of the tournament.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Lionel Messi is one of the leading forwards at the 2026 World Cup.
- Switzerland are playing in the World Cup quarter-finals for the fourth time in their history.
- Neither team has suffered a defeat at this tournament.
- Argentina and Switzerland last met in 2014, when the South Americans claimed a 1-0 victory.
Probable line-ups
- Argentina: E. Martínez; Molina, Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernández, Mac Allister; Messi, Lautaro Martínez
- Switzerland: Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Jashari, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas
Prediction
I expect a phenomenal and highly intriguing contest, but I don't think it will be a high-scoring affair. What's more, I believe Argentina have what it takes to overcome Switzerland thanks to their superior squad and greater experience. My recommended bet is Argentina to win in regulation time.
