Argentina v Switzerland prediction, lineups & tips: World Cup 2026 quarter-final

Argentina's title defence has been anything but comfortable at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Lionel Scaloni's side scraped through the round of 32 by beating Cape Verde 3-2 in extra time, then trailed Egypt 2-0 before staging a dramatic comeback that ended 3-2 courtesy of Enzo Fernandez's 93rd-minute header. Switzerland, meanwhile, have quietly made their own history, reaching just the fourth World Cup quarter-final in the country's history, and their first since 1954, after penalty-shootout wins over Algeria and Colombia in the knockout rounds. The two sides meet in Kansas City on Sunday morning for a place in the last four.

Argentina enter as defending champions and clear favourites, unbeaten in 11 World Cup matches. Yet the cracks have been showing. In their last two knockout games, they have twice been pegged back and forced into frantic late recoveries, raising questions about defensive solidity and the lack of goals from their centre-forwards. Scaloni acknowledged at his pre-match press conference at Arrowhead Stadium on Friday that the tournament has been unpredictable, but his message to the watching world was straightforward. "I would like this national team to be remembered as a team that never gave up," he said.

Switzerland coach Murat Yakin was less measured. "We're playing against the world champion. There's nothing better than having this opportunity. But it's also been clear, over the last two matches, that Argentina is vulnerable," Yakin said. "We can challenge the world champions." It is not the kind of remark coaches make when they are resigned to defeat. Argentina, with Lionel Messi averaging 8 goals in 5 appearances and generating an xG of 2.19 per game, remain formidable going forward, but Yakin's words carry weight.

Switzerland came through the toughest test of their tournament against Colombia, drawing 0-0 through 120 minutes before holding their nerve in the shootout. Their form in the last five games reads W-W-W-D-D, with three clean sheets in that run and just 0.6 goals conceded per game. They have been compact and organised, using a 4-2-3-1 base that Yakin deploys with tactical flexibility. The Nati have scored nine goals in the tournament and conceded three, the same number Argentina have leaked across five games. At 9/2, there is genuine value in those who believe the Swiss can spring a surprise.

Switzerland will be without Manzambi, Aebischer and Jaquez, a combined blow that deprives Yakin of depth and one of his most in-form attackers. The personnel available still give the Swiss a solid enough foundation, but losing Manzambi's goal threat from the right is a notable handicap against a side as dangerous as Argentina on the counter. Argentina's Romero fitness news is the key positive for Scaloni: the Tottenham defender is their most authoritative centre-back and his absence would have been a genuine worry.

Predicted line-ups for Argentina v Switzerland appear below.

Argentina v Switzerland kicks off at 02:00 BST on Sunday, 12 July. The match is live on ITV1 in the UK, with a stream available on ITVX. Fox Sports has the rights in the United States.