Argentina vs Switzerland prediction, preview, team news, likely lineups and betting tips for the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-final on 12th July at New Kansas City Stadium. Kick-off is 2am BST as both sides battle for a place in the semi-finals.
| Bookie | Selection | Best Odds | Market | Bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Argentina to Win | 7/10 | Argentina vs Switzerland | Place Bet |
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Argentina 2-0 Switzerland | 13/2 | Argentina vs Switzerland | Place Bet |
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Under 3.5 Goals | 1/4 | Argentina vs Switzerland | Place Bet |
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Argentina to win, under 3.5 goals, and Lionel Messi to score anytime | 3/1 | Argentina vs Switzerland | Place Bet |
Date of Tips: 09/07/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (16:04 09/07/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
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The World Cup quarter-finals always seem to produce something memorable. This Argentina vs Switzerland prediction has all the ingredients for another tense knockout tie. Argentina have found ways to win when it has mattered most, while Switzerland have built their tournament on discipline and organisation. So, will Argentina’s attacking quality make the difference, or can the Swiss frustrate another heavyweight?
Date: Sunday 12th July 2026
Kick-off: 2:00am BST
Venue: Kansas City Stadium
Argentina are beginning to look like a team that knows exactly how to survive knockout football. It has not always been comfortable, but Lionel Scaloni’s side have shown plenty of character to reach the last eight.
Lionel Messi remains the main attraction and everything still flows through him. The Inter Miami forward continues to dictate games with his movement, passing and finishing, and if Argentina are awarded a penalty, you would expect Messi to step up as their first choice taker. He’s also their most dangerous option from direct free kicks, capable of changing a game with a single moment of brilliance.
Julian Alvarez brings relentless energy alongside Messi, while Alexis Mac Allister, now with Liverpool, and Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez provide control and creativity through midfield. Rodrigo De Paul continues to do the hard work that often allows Argentina’s more attacking players to shine.
At the back, Cristian Romero of Tottenham and Manchester United defender Lisandro Martinez remain Argentina’s first-choice central pairing, with Emiliano Martinez once again providing confidence between the posts.
Switzerland have taken a very different route to the quarter-finals. They have stayed compact, defended brilliantly and rarely allowed opponents many clear chances. Murat Yakin is unlikely to change that approach now.
Gregor Kobel has enjoyed an excellent tournament in goal and will probably need another big performance here. Manuel Akanji leads the back line alongside Nico Elvedi, while midfielder Granit Xhaka continues to set the tempo in midfield with his calm passing and leadership.
Breel Embolo remains Switzerland’s biggest attacking threat and is expected to lead the line once again. He is also the player most likely to take a penalty should Switzerland earn one, while Ricardo Rodriguez has long been trusted with many of their direct free kicks and dead-ball situations thanks to his excellent left foot.
Argentina:
Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico; Leandro Paredes; Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez.
Switzerland:
Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Ardon Jashari, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler; Dan Ndoye, Breel Embolo, Fabian Rieder.
This feels like one of those classic World Cup knockout games where patience could be just as important as quality.
Argentina have certainly entertained during this tournament, but they have also shown they are far from unbeatable. They needed extra time to get past Cabo Verde before producing a remarkable comeback against Egypt after trailing late in the match. That resilience tells you plenty about the mentality within this squad.
Messi naturally grabs most of the headlines, but Argentina are much more than a one-man team. Mac Allister has quietly become one of their most important players in midfield, while De Paul never seems to stop running. Alvarez stretches defenders with intelligent movement, creating space for everyone around him.
The challenge against Switzerland is completely different.
The Swiss are unlikely to leave many gaps. They are comfortable defending deep, slowing the tempo and forcing opponents into difficult positions. They rarely panic, even under sustained pressure, and that’s exactly why they’ve made it this far.
Xhaka remains the heartbeat of everything Switzerland do. His experience allows them to control difficult moments, while Freuler and Jashari provide plenty of energy alongside him. If Embolo gets opportunities on the counter attack, Switzerland have enough pace to cause problems.
One interesting battle could develop down the flanks. Argentina like their full backs to push forward whenever possible, but doing so could leave space for Ndoye to exploit in transition. Scaloni will know his side cannot afford to lose their defensive shape against opponents who thrive on disciplined football.
If you’re looking for more daily football selections before kick-off, our footy tips are updated regularly with picks from matches across the football calendar.
Argentina will probably enjoy more possession, but that alone does not guarantee chances. Switzerland are experts at forcing teams into low-quality opportunities, and that could make this a slower game than many expect.
At the same time, Argentina have players capable of producing moments that simply cannot be coached. Messi only needs a yard of space. Alvarez can turn half chances into goals. Mac Allister has the vision to split defensive lines with one pass.
That individual quality may ultimately prove to be the difference.
This has all the signs of a tight quarter-final. Switzerland will be happy if the game stays level for long periods, while Argentina will back themselves to find the breakthrough eventually.
Argentina have had to work hard in both of their knockout matches so far, so don’t expect them to fly out of the blocks. Switzerland’s defensive structure should make chances difficult to come by early on.
Messi is always the obvious player to watch. Even if Switzerland keep him quiet for large spells, he’s still capable of deciding the match with one piece of quality. Around him, Alvarez and Mac Allister have grown into the tournament and both could have a big say in the outcome.
For Switzerland, everything starts with staying organised. If they can frustrate Argentina and keep the score level heading into the closing stages, they’ll believe the pressure starts to shift onto the South Americans.
Argentina deserve to be favourites, but this is unlikely to be straightforward.
Switzerland have shown throughout the tournament that they are incredibly difficult to break down. Their back four stay compact, the midfield protects the defence well, and Kobel has been excellent whenever he’s been called into action.
The problem is that Argentina have something very few teams possess.
They have players who can decide games out of nothing.
Messi remains the obvious difference maker, while Alvarez’s movement constantly drags defenders out of position. Add Mac Allister’s composure and De Paul’s relentless work rate, and Argentina usually find enough moments to edge tight contests.
Switzerland should make life uncomfortable for long spells, but over ninety minutes Argentina’s extra attacking quality gives them the edge.
Match Prediction: Argentina to win. Bet with bet365.
A narrow Argentina victory feels like the most realistic outcome.
Switzerland are unlikely to open the game up unless they fall behind, and even then they tend to stay organised rather than commit too many players forward.
Argentina have conceded goals during the knockout rounds, but they’ll know defensive concentration will be crucial at this stage of the tournament.
Correct Score Prediction: Argentina 2-0 Switzerland. Bet with bet365.
Everything points towards a fairly controlled knockout tie.
Switzerland have built their success on defensive discipline rather than attacking football, while Argentina are unlikely to take unnecessary risks against such a well-drilled side.
Under 3.5 goals looks like a sensible option if you expect a cagey contest.
If you’re looking for a little more value, Over 2.5 goals is still worth considering. Argentina have been involved in some entertaining knockout matches already, and if Switzerland are forced to chase the game after conceding first, the match could become far more open during the closing stages.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 3.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A sensible Bet Builder for this quarter-final could include:
Messi remains Argentina’s biggest match winner and is also their penalty taker, making him the standout player to back if you’re including a goalscorer selection. Combining that with an Argentina victory and a game that stays below four goals feels like a balanced approach for what should be a tactical contest.
Bet Builder Tip: Argentina to win, under 3.5 goals, and Lionel Messi to score anytime. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Argentina look the more likely winners thanks to their greater attacking quality and experience in big knockout matches, although Switzerland have every chance of making it a difficult evening.
The match kicks off at 2:00am BST on Sunday 12th July 2026.
The quarter-final will take place at New Kansas City Stadium.