Switzerland face Argentina on Sunday in Kansas City – and the defending champions arrive with clear warnings. Lionel Scaloni, Argentina’s coach, called the Swiss national team a «top team» on Friday, saying they «always fight». «There are no easy opponents», Scaloni said after two nervy wins against underdogs in the knockout rounds. Argentina had scraped past Cape Verde and Egypt before the Swiss beat Paraguay 2-0 on July 19, 2026 to book their quarter-final spot.

Why Scaloni takes Switzerland seriously

The Argentine stressed that the Nati have «very experienced players» and are «really tough opponents». «They never give up», Scaloni said. Switzerland had seen off the Netherlands 2-0 in the Round of 16, showing defensive steel. Scaloni admitted Argentina «really struggled» in their first two knockout games. So Switzerland head into the tie as underdogs, yet their recent form is solid: five games unbeaten (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss).

Messi stays the messiah – at 39

Despite Messi’s 39 years and six World Cup games in this tournament, Scaloni is confident: «He is fit, he has a fitness coach.» The coach stressed that Messi «is not running less» at this World Cup. «It’s always the same, he’s always ready», Scaloni said. Argentina rely on the record scorer, who has already bagged three goals here. Scaloni still sees Messi as the «best – if he wants to be». «Of course there will come a time when he stops. But until then he wants to remain the best», the 48-year-old added.

What Switzerland must bring

The Nati must defend deep against Argentina’s attack featuring Messi, Julián Álvarez and Enzo Fernández. Switzerland have used counter-attacks and quick wingers like Granit Xhaka and Noah Okafor in recent games. Coach Murat Yakin sets up a compact shape to withstand Argentina’s pressure. The Swiss have conceded just one goal in their last five games and look solid at the back.

What comes next

If Switzerland progress past the quarter-final, a semi-final against another heavyweight awaits. The Nati stay in the spotlight for now, but the next task is already set: on September 26, 2026 they travel to Skopje to face North Macedonia in the Nations League. So Switzerland remain in the crosshairs of Europe’s best even after the 2026 World Cup.