Argentina’s defence of the 2022 World Cup title now moves into the final eight, with the defending champions set to face Switzerland in the quarterfinal in Kansas City on the night of 12 July 2026. The winner will go on to the semifinal, which gives this tie immediate weight for both sides.
For Argentina, the task is straightforward in theory and difficult in practice: keep the title defence alive and continue the run that has carried them this far. For Switzerland, the opportunity is just as clear after they came through a tight route of their own, beating Colombia on penalties after regular and extra time ended without a winner.
Argentina’s route to the last eight
Argentina reached this stage after a 3-2 win over Egypt. That scoreline tells its own story: a match that demanded composure, resilience and enough quality to finish the job when the pressure rose.
That is the challenge for any defending world champion. Once the tournament gets to the knockout rounds, there is no room to drift. One poor spell, one mistake, one missed chance can end the campaign.
Switzerland arrive with momentum
Switzerland’s path into the quarterfinal was different, but no less significant. After their match with Colombia finished level through regular time and extra time, they held their nerve in the shootout and advanced on penalties.
That kind of win often matters in the later stages of a World Cup. It can build belief, especially against a side carrying the pressure of expectation like Argentina.
And that is what makes this fixture such a strong quarterfinal. Argentina bring the status of champions from 2022. Switzerland bring the confidence of a team that has already survived a hard knockout test. The meeting in Kansas City should decide which of those qualities matters more.
What comes next
The reward is simple: a place in the semifinal. At this stage of the World Cup, that is all that matters.
