Argentina vs Switzerland World Cup 2026 QF Tips - 12 July
Reigning champions Argentina meet Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in the small hours of Sunday SAST. Our QF picks.
- Argentina face Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, kicking off 9pm ET Saturday 11 July, which lands at 03:00 SAST on Sunday 12 July.
- Argentina survived a huge scare against Egypt with a late comeback, while Switzerland reached their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954 via penalties over Colombia.
- We're backing Argentina to win in 90 minutes, Argentina to qualify for cover given Switzerland's knack for going the distance, and Messi to score anytime.
Reigning champions Argentina take on Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium in what could be one of the final World Cup appearances of Lionel Messi's career. Argentina needed a stunning late comeback to beat Egypt and looked vulnerable for long spells, while Switzerland ground out a penalty shootout win over Colombia to reach a first World Cup quarter-final since 1954. We're leaning Argentina to qualify rather than a bold 90-minute call, because this Swiss side has already shown it can go the distance.
The Pick Card
Prices from Hollywoodbets, Betway and Easybet. 18+. T&Cs apply.
| Selection | Bookmaker | Odds | Stake | Operator CTA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina to win (90 mins) | Hollywoodbets | @1.69 (indicative) | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Argentina to qualify (reg/ET/pens) | Betway | @1.32 (indicative) | 2 Units | Bet here |
| Messi to score anytime | Easybet | @2.20 (indicative) | 2 Units | Bet here |
The Form Line
Argentina trailed Egypt 2-0 with 12 minutes left in the Round of 16 before three unanswered goals in 13 minutes turned the tie around, one of the most dramatic comebacks in World Cup knockout history (FOX Sports). It's a result that shows both the squad's quality in the final third and a defensive fragility that Switzerland will look to target.
Switzerland needed penalties to see off Colombia in the Round of 16 and have now reached their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, also the first time they've won two straight knockout matches at a World Cup (FOX Sports). Granit Xhaka continues to marshal the midfield for a Swiss side built to frustrate rather than chase the game.
Head to Head
| Year | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | FIFA World Cup Round of 16 (AET) | Argentina 1-0 Switzerland |
The last World Cup meeting between these two came in Brazil 2014, when Angel Di Maria's extra-time winner sent Argentina through after a goalless 90 minutes (BBC Sport). Switzerland were disciplined and difficult to break down that night too, which is exactly the kind of test they look capable of setting again.
Team News
Messi, now 38, has been carefully managed through the tournament after arriving with a hamstring complaint, though he has continued to feature and remains Argentina's talisman in what is widely expected to be his final World Cup (US News (AP)). We could not verify a confirmed Switzerland injury list beyond their Colombia shootout win, so we're not speculating further on personnel there.
Verdict
Argentina to win in 90 minutes is our top pick, but the qualify line is the safer cover given how deep Switzerland have already gone in this tournament and their pedigree for going to extra time and penalties. Messi to score anytime rounds out the card. If this one does go to a shootout, don't be shocked, Switzerland have already won one this tournament.
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