World press bows to Argentina's epic: 'The champion feels invincible'

Argentina’s qualification for the semifinals of the 2026 World Cup after a dramatic 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland did not go unnoticed by the international press. Major media outlets worldwide covered the match and highlighted the grit of Lionel Scaloni’s team in overcoming adversity.

In England, The Guardian recalled the suffering: «Did anyone think they would do it easily? Argentina were heading to penalties with eight minutes left in extra time against a tenacious and magnificently organized Switzerland, who were playing with ten men. There was a high risk they would regret wasting a match that seemed a breeze when Alexis Mac Allister put the Albiceleste ahead with a header. The game slowed to the point of defeat, and they received a hard blow when the impressive Dan Ndoye equalized midway through the second half.»

Meanwhile, Sky Sports highlighted that «Julián Alvarez scores a wonder goal to set up a dream semifinal against England» and recalled it will be the first competitive match between the two in 24 years, since the 2002 World Cup when the English won 1-0 with a David Beckham penalty.

True to its sensationalist style, The Sun quipped: «Argentina, with twelve men, beat Switzerland, who played with ten, and thus Lionel Messi kept his World Cup participation alive, qualifying for a clash with England. At least, that’s what conspiracy theorists will say after Swiss striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card for simulation following VAR intervention.»

In Spain, Marca headlined: «The champion feels invincible» and noted that Argentina saved its third ‘match point’ in the tournament. «The world champion, who played a very flat match, came back to life, although it is true that they had to go to extra time after a double yellow (adjusted by VAR, but which will bring controversy) to Embolo in the 72nd minute,» the outlet added.

As, another Madrid sports daily, headlined «Much Spider, much VAR!» and highlighted that «a dramatic wonder goal by Julián gives Argentina the pass in extra time. Anger in Switzerland over the VAR application that left them with 10 due to ‘identity confusion’. England, rival in the semifinals.»

The newspaper El País described Argentina as «semifinalist from anguish to anguish» and stated that the team «suffered again» until extra time against a numerically inferior Switzerland. «This time it wasn’t Leo Messi who saved them, as always, but a stunning goal by Julián Alvarez in the 112th minute,» it emphasized.

From France, L’Equipe called the Argentine players «the kings of suspense» and recalled that the team had already needed extra time to beat Cape Verde and Egypt in previous rounds. «Argentina thought they would finally have a breather this Saturday night in the quarterfinals against Switzerland. No luck. The world champions had to push themselves to the limit once again,» the French outlet noted.

Now, Argentina prepares for a high-voltage duel against England in the semifinals. British media are already relishing the possibility of facing the Albiceleste, while in Spain they warn that Scaloni and his boys must improve greatly to reach the final. The truth is that the national team continues to fight and, once again, showed that they have a heart that never gives up.

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