How an Argentina win, draw, or loss against Switzerland could affect the 2026 World Cup bracket
We are preparing for a big battle in the Quarter-final this Saturday, defending champions In Argentina and undefeated in Switzerland they are ready to leave everything on the field. Although the defending champions go into the tournament as favourites, the Swiss arrive undefeated and are determined to deliver a heartbreaking performance in the tournament. Whatever the final score, the result will have a huge impact on the way to the World Cup finals.
La Albiceleste arrives in Kansas City after surviving two handicap games. Lionel Scaloni’s side needs more time to finish Cape Verde before producing a remarkable comeback from two goals down defeated Egypt 3-2 in the round of 16.
Lionel Messi again led the charge despite missing a penalty before scoring the equaliser, while Cristian Romero and Enzo Fernandez completed the conversion. The defending champion has extended his unbeaten World Cup run while still trying to become a player the first country since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title.
Switzerland has quietly put together its strongest World Cup campaign in decades. Murat Yakin’s group it has topped its team in the past defeating Algeria and eliminating Colombia with penalty kicks after a tie.
| The day | Argentinian opponent | The stage | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 16, 2026 | Algeria | Group Stage | Win (3–0) |
| June 22, 2026 | In Austria | Group Stage | Win (2–0) |
| June 27, 2026 | Jordan | Group Stage | Win (3–1) |
| July 3, 2026 | Cape Verde | Round 32 | Win (3–2 AET) |
| July 7, 2026 | Egypt | Round 16 | Win (3–2) |
The Swiss have conceded just three goals in the tournament and are relying heavily on goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, captain Granit Xhaka, and a disciplined defensive structure. However, Rossocrociati will also be without midfielder Johan Manzambi, his knee injury continued to hinder one of the team’s attacking players.
| The day | A Swiss opponent | The stage | The result |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 13, 2026 | Qatar | Group Stage | Draw (1–1) |
| June 18, 2026 | Bosnia & Herzegovina | Group Stage | Win (4–1) |
| June 24, 2026 | Canada | Group Stage | Win (2–1) |
| July 2, 2026 | Algeria | Round 32 | Win (2–0) |
| July 7, 2026 | in Colombia | Round 16 | Draw (0–0, won 4–3 on penalties) |
What happens if Argentina wins and Switzerland loses?
If Argentina wins in regulation, overtime, or penalties, the defending champion will book a place in the semi-finalswhere it will meet the winner of England vs. Norway quarterfinal.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina celebrates.
Victory will also keep alive Argentina’s dream of becoming the first consecutive World Cup champion in more than six decades. The semi-final will be played in Atlanta on July 15, leaving the Albiceleste just one win away from another World Cup finals appearance.
What happens if the game is tied after 90 minutes?
Unlike stage plays, this quarterfinal cannot end as a permanent draw. If the teams remain level after regulation, the game will continue 30 minutes of extra timeand if neither side finds a winner, the place in the semi-finals will be decided by penalty kicks.
Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina scores a penalty
That probably makes sense considering Switzerland’s defensive organization and Argentina’s recent habit of producing late drama throughout the knockout rounds.
The current 2026 World Cup Playoff bracket
The left side of the bracket is already locked in, while the right side will be decided by the quarterfinals. [1, 2]
Tournament Round
Left Side of Bracket
Right Side of Bracket
Quarter-final
France 2-0 in Morocco
Spain 2-1 BelgiumEngland vs. Norway
Argentina vs. Switzerland
Semi-finalist
France vs. Spain (July 14)
England/Norway vs. Argentina/Switzerland (July 15)
World Cup final
Semi-final winner 1 (July 19)
Semi-final 2 winner (July 19)
What happens if Switzerland wins and Argentina loses?
The Swiss victory would be swift one of the biggest news of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Not only will Switzerland eliminate the reigning world champions, but they will also be protected its first appearance in the semi-finals of the World Cupcontinuing what was already one of the world’s leading international competitions.
Breel Embolo #7 of Switzerland celebrates a goal against Algeria.
Captain Granit Xhaka knows exactly what his team is facing. “I don’t know if we can stop Lionel Messi in 90 minutes. It will be difficult. But we have to be smart, combine, close the gaps, not give him too many gaps.”
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