World Cup 2026: Argentina vs Switzerland Tips, Odds & Prediction

* Odds from Betway, correct at time of writing.

Argentina meet Switzerland at Kansas City Stadium in a 2026 World Cup quarter final, kickoff 03:00 CAT on Sunday morning. Lionel Scaloni's holders arrive on the back of a dramatic comeback against Egypt and with Lionel Messi having scored in every match, while Switzerland are into the last eight for the first time since 1954 after grinding out a shootout win over Colombia. For all our World Cup betting tips, head to our dedicated section.

Argentina

Argentina have looked one of the most complete sides left in the competition to me, winning all three group matches before edging Cape Verde in extra time and then coming from behind to beat Egypt in the round of sixteen. Messi is the big story – he’s the tournament’s joint top scorer with seven goals and is showing no ill effects from the pre tournament hamstring scare that had worried Scaloni. In my opinion the midfield trio of De Paul, Paredes and Mac Allister gives them real control, and Scaloni can name his strongest side here with Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez flanking Messi. The one note of caution is at the back, where they have conceded two goals in each of their last two knockout ties.

Predicted Lineup: E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico; De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, J. Alvarez.

Switzerland

Switzerland have ridden their defensive discipline and a good slice of fortune to a first quarter final since 1954, keeping Colombia out across a goalless 120 minutes before winning the shootout in Vancouver. Murat Yakin sets them up in a compact 4-2-3-1 with Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler screening the back four and Manuel Akanji marshalling the defence. Breel Embolo leads the line while Dan Ndoye carries the threat on the counter, with Vargas having tucked away the decisive penalty against Colombia. My read on this is that they will sit deep, try to frustrate Argentina and hope to nick something late or drag the tie to another shootout.

Predicted Lineup: Kobel; Zakaria, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Jashari, Xhaka, Freuler; Ndoye, , Embolo, Rieder.

Argentina simply have too much quality across the pitch for a Switzerland side whose whole plan is built on damage limitation. I expect the reigning champs to dominate the ball, wear the Swiss down and find the breakthrough in the second half, with Messi and Alvarez the most likely scorers. Switzerland will make it awkward for an hour, but I do not see them breaching this Argentina side over ninety minutes. My forecast: Argentina 2 Switzerland 0.

BTTS: No (1.71)

I am backing BTTS: No at 1.71. Switzerland managed only a handful of efforts and failed to score across 120 minutes against Colombia, and Yakin will again prioritise keeping things tight rather than opening up. With Argentina expected to control the tie and the Swiss offering so little going forward, my read on this is that at least one side ends the ninety minutes without a goal.