Nahuel Molina starts as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1
Nahuel Molina started at right-back as Argentina beat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time in a World Cup 2026 quarter-final in Kansas City, booking a semi-final clash with England. Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez scored after Breel Embolo saw red.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina defeated Switzerland 3-1 AET at Kansas City Stadium (attendance 69,045) on 12 July 2026.
- Nahuel Molina started at right-back and was replaced by Gonzalo Montiel in the 85th minute.
- Goals: Mac Allister (10'), Ndoye (67'), Alvarez (112' ET), Lautaro Martinez (120'+1); Embolo sent off (72').
- Argentina now face England in Atlanta on Wednesday 15 July at 20:00 BST, live on the BBC.
The result capped a chaotic night for the defending champions, who were level 1-1 after 90 minutes before striking twice in extra time, according to BBC Sport's live report.
What was the final score and how did the game unfold?
Argentina led early when Alexis Mac Allister headed in Lionel Messi's corner in the 10th minute. Dan Ndoye equalised for Switzerland in the 67th minute, assisted by Ricardo Rodriguez.
Five minutes later, Breel Embolo was shown a second yellow for simulation after VAR intervened under the tournament's mistaken-identity rule. Switzerland held on until Julian Alvarez curled an unstoppable 25-yard shot past Gregor Kobel in the 112th minute, with Jose Manuel Lopez providing the assist. Lautaro Martinez added a late third in the 120th minute plus one.
BBC analysts called it another underwhelming Argentina showing that still produced a chaotic knockout win — with firepower that ultimately told.
Where did Nahuel Molina fit into Argentina's lineup?
Nahuel Molina lined up at right-back in Lionel Scaloni's back four alongside Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez and Nicolas Tagliafico, with Emiliano Martinez in goal. Pre-match previews tipped that XI, with TNT Sports highlighting Molina's attacking energy and ability to combine in the wider right channel.
He played into the closing stages of normal time before Montiel came on at 85 minutes. Late changes also sharpened the attack ahead of extra time, where Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez delivered the decisive goals.
For more high-drama tournament plot twists, dig into BlasterPost's Bizarre World coverage.
Why does this win matter for Argentina's World Cup path?
Victory books a semi-final against Thomas Tuchel's England in Atlanta. The winner will meet France or Spain in the final. Messi sits on eight tournament goals and remains level in the Golden Boot race with Kylian Mbappe, per BBC reporting.
Pre-match notes from TNT Sports and Mr Fixit's Tips cast Argentina as clear favourites despite shaky knockout displays against Cape Verde and Egypt. Scaloni's side again needed late drama — this time with a man advantage — to keep the title defence alive.
Switzerland's campaign ends in heartbreak after Embolo's red and Alvarez's curler decided a sweltering Kansas City night, with Nahuel Molina among the starters who helped steer Argentina through.