The 2026 World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland kicks off on Saturday, July 11, with a semi-final clash against England on the line. Here is everything you need to know, including how to watch live on TV and online.
Kick-off time: 8pm local time (2am BST, 11am AEST).
TV channel and live stream: In the UK, the match is broadcast live on ITV and ITVX. Coverage details were confirmed by FourFourTwo. For other territories, broadcast arrangements have not been confirmed yet. Radio commentary is available globally on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds.
Team news
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni names an unchanged XI from the remarkable comeback victory over Egypt in the last 16. Lionel Messi wins his 205th cap, leading the line alongside Julián Álvarez.
Argentina (4-1-3-2): E Martínez; Tagliafico, L Martínez, Romero, Molina; Paredes; Fernández, Mac Allister, De Paul; Álvarez, Messi.
Switzerland make one change from the win over Colombia, with Djibril Sow replacing Ardon Jashari in midfield. Granit Xhaka captains the side, while Breel Embolo leads the attack.
Switzerland (4-2-3-1): Kobel; Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Sow, Rieder; Embolo.
Key players and what to watch
Messi is the tournament’s all-time leading scorer and has found the net in six consecutive knockout matches dating to the 2022 final. Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel has kept back-to-back clean sheets in the knockout rounds and made 16 saves overall.
“I don’t know if we can stop him over 90 minutes. It’s going to be very difficult. We have to be smart, compact and close the gaps,” Xhaka said of Messi.
Without Johan Manzambi, Switzerland lack some of their earlier scoring threat, but compact organisation and counter-attacks remain their blueprint.
What’s at stake
The winner advances to face England in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15, in Atlanta. England beat Norway 2-1 after extra time earlier on Saturday, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice.
The semi-final will be shown live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Head-to-head: Argentina have never lost to Switzerland in seven meetings, including a 1-0 extra-time win in the 2014 World Cup last 16.
