Scaloni: Argentina respect Switzerland ahead of quarterfinal
Argentina meet Switzerland on Saturday in a World Cup 2026 quarterfinal, and Lionel Scaloni says there are no easy rivals left: he respects a Swiss team that eliminated Colombia and expects a physically demanding test at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. The Argentina-Suiza clash decides a semifinal spot as the defending champions chase back-to-back titles.
Key Takeaways
- Scaloni called Switzerland a difficult, respected rival with World Cup tradition and strong players.
- Argentina could repeat the lineup that started the 3-2 comeback win over Egypt in the round of 16.
- The quarterfinal kicks off at 22:00 Argentina time on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Kansas City.
- Argentina reached this stage after tense extra-time wins over Cabo Verde and a two-goal deficit against Egypt.
- Scaloni said the squad generates chances but still needs to fix a few details before knockout football gets tighter.
What did Scaloni say about Switzerland?
Speaking at a press conference in Kansas City on Friday, Scaloni pushed back on any idea that Argentina should feel like favorites. "There is no equal or easy opponent," he said, according to ESPN Deportes.
He described Switzerland as a very good team that competes with the best national sides, always pushes forward, and carries World Cup tradition. Scaloni highlighted their experienced players and physical strength, noting they earned their place by beating Colombia.
"It will be a difficult rival and we respect them like everyone else," Scaloni said. "They got here for a reason."
Will Scaloni change Argentina's starting lineup?
Scaloni did not confirm his XI but opened the door to repeating the team that began against Egypt. He said that because he has reused lineups before, doing so again "would not be far-fetched," though a change remains possible.
He added that, beyond the chaos of the Egypt match, Argentina "did very good things" and he liked how the team played. Scaloni also said the squad is in good shape overall, generates chances, and needs to fix only "two or three things."
Why does Argentina need more regularity now?
As the Houston Chronicle framed the matchup, Argentina is searching for consistency and a semifinal berth at this World Cup. The defending champions edged Cabo Verde 3-2 in extra time, then rallied from 2-0 down to beat Egypt 3-2.
Scaloni acknowledged Argentina cannot always match its Qatar 2022 level. Opponents treat games against the Albiceleste as "one of the matches of their lives," he said, which raises the difficulty when Switzerland also plays well.
When and where can you watch Argentina vs Switzerland?
The quarterfinal is scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. According to EL PAÍS, kickoff is at 22:00 Argentina time.
Viewers in Argentina can follow the match on Telefe, TyC Sports, TV Pública, Disney+ Premium, and Paramount+. For more streaming and TV schedules around major live events, see our Streaming & TV Alerts hub.
A win keeps Argentina alive in the defense of its 2022 title. For Scaloni's squad, the message is clear: respect Switzerland, expect a fight, and sharpen the rhythm that has slipped at moments during this knockout run.