Argentina face Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinal at Kansas City Stadium in Missouri, USA, on Saturday at 8pm (01:00 GMT Sunday). The reigning champions have looked shaky in the knockout stage, needing extra time to beat Cape Verde and a controversial comeback against Egypt, raising doubts about their title defense.

Lionel Messi, at 39, has been sensational, scoring in all five matches and netting eight goals, second only to Kylian Mbappé in the Golden Boot race. However, after playing 120 minutes against Cape Verde and a grueling match against Egypt, Messi admitted fatigue. His emotional breakdown after the Egypt game highlighted the pressure on his shoulders.

Switzerland have quietly reached the quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years. They topped Group B unbeaten, beating Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and drawing with Qatar. In the knockout rounds, they defeated Algeria 2-0 and Colombia 4-3 on penalties. The duo of Breel Embolo and Johan Manzambi has been key, though Manzambi is injured.

Swiss coach Murat Yakin said: "Argentina are not invincible." Opta gives Argentina a 57.1% chance of winning in regulation time, Switzerland 18.7%, and a 24.2% chance of extra time. The winner will face Norway or England in the semifinals.

Argentina have won five of seven meetings, including both World Cup encounters (2-0 in 1966, 1-0 in 2014). Only three players remain from that 2014 match: Messi, Granit Xhaka, and Ricardo Rodriguez. Switzerland will be without injured Manzambi and Jaquez, while Aebischer is doubtful.

Source: www.aljazeera.com