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After a couple of scares in the knockouts, defending World Cup champions Argentina will hope for a smoother ride when they face Switzerland in the quarter-finals in Kansas City on Sunday morning.
The Seleccion had to overturn a two-goal deficit in dramatic fashion to beat Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16, while they also needed extra-time to beat Cape Verde by the same scoreline in the round of 32.
Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties in the round of 16 after a 0-0 draw in regulation time, and are bidding to reach the World Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history.
Read our prediction, preview and betting tips for the game below, and make sure to check out our today's betting tips page for more of our expert predictions, as well as our best betting offers for world cup.
Argentina vs. Switzerland key stats
- Argentina are unbeaten in 11 World Cup games (W9, D2).
- Switzerland have never won three knockout matches at a World Cup.
- Switzerland have never beaten Argentina in seven previous attempts (D2, L5).
Argentina vs. Switzerland preview: Seleccion to seal semi-final spot?
| Argentina | vs | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIFA Ranking | 19 |
| Lionel Messi (204) | Most Caps | Granit Xhaka (151) |
| Lionel Messi (125) | Most Goals | Breel Embolo (26) |
| 1331 | Total Caps | 1213 |
| 236 | Total Goals | 133 |
| 0 | Uncapped Players | 0 |
Argentina's 11-game unbeaten run at the World Cup is the longest in their history, but they have had to work hard for it in the knockouts.
The Seleccion's wins against Egypt and Cape Verde were too close for comfort, and Lionel Scaloni will want a more convincing performance against Switzerland.
Despite Argentina having no fresh injury concerns in their squad, Scaloni may be tempted to rotate his team to try and find his best XI.
Nonetheless, they should still be favourites to progress and continue their journey to defend their crown.
Switzerland are in the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954 when they hosted the World Cup, and previously only reached the same stage in 1934 and 1938.
Thus, a shock win here would create history for the Swiss, and after Argentina's shaky knockout stage so far, Murat Yakin will believe his team can do it.
They will have to do what no other Switzerland side has achieved before though and beat Argentina, after failing in seven previous H2Hs including two at the World Cup.
Johan Manzambi is the big injury concern for the Europeans, but otherwise they should be able to field a strong starting XI.
Argentina vs. Switzerland form guide & betting tips
| Argentina | vs | Switzerland |
|---|---|---|
WWWWW |
Form | DWWWW |
| 14 | Goals For | 9 |
| 5 | Goals Against | 3 |
WWW |
World Cup 2026 | WWW |
Whispers predicts: Argentina 2-1 Switzerland
Argentina are 8/11 (1.73) favourites to win and 7/20 (1.35) favourites to qualify, but while we agree with the bookies, we want to explore other markets.
Given their defensive frailties in recent games, BTTS – Yes at 23/20 (2.15) is worth backing in our eyes.
In terms of potential goalscorers, Lionel Messi is an obvious candidate as he aims to extend his lead in the Golden Boot race, having netted eight times so far.
Messi to score anytime at 1/1 (2.00) is our second pick, while Correct score – 2-1 at 17/2 (9.50) is an outside punt as Argentina's two knockout victories were decided by a single goal.
> Messi to score anytime at 1/1 (2.00) | Likelihood: Probable
> BTTS – Yes at 23/20 (2.15) | Likelihood: Possible
> Correct score – 2-1 at 17/2 (9.50) | Likelihood: Outsider