The Argentina National Team is already in the quarterfinals of the World Cup, although far from the comfort it showed during the group stage. The team led by Lionel Scaloni had to work hard to defeat 3-2 to Egypt in an exciting match that was decided in the last 15 minutes, when the world champions scored the necessary goals to avoid a surprise elimination.
The albiceleste seemed to have left any worries behind after a first round in which they advanced with authority and without major shocks. However, the story has been different since the start of the knockout rounds.
First it was Cape Verde that put the South Americans on the ropes in the round of 32 and forced them to play extra time to qualify. Now, Egypt once again exposed some of the difficulties that Argentina has encountered against teams that, in theory, started as inferior.
Despite these drawbacks, the Argentines have demonstrated an ability to reaction that distinguishes the main candidates for the title. When the pressure increasesthe individualities and competitive nature of a team that refuses to give up the defense of its world crown appear.
Messi, the leader who makes the difference
In the middle of an increasingly complicated path, Lionel Messi continues as the great figure of Argentina. The Albiceleste captain has led his team in the most complex moments of the tournamentand where he is the top scorer for his team and the World Cup with 8 goals at the moment.
Every time Argentina seems to lose control of the match, Messi’s presence becomes the main point of reference for a team that continues to depend on the magic of its greatest figure to resolve extreme situations.
On paper, Argentina’s path to the semifinals could seem accessible, missing several of the traditional powers of world soccer. However, the reality has been different on the field.
So far, Argentina has not had to face a team considered one of the world’s elite, according to the Fifa ranking prior to the tournament. In fact, the rival best placed in the classification will be Switzerland (19th), which they will face in the quarterfinals. They are followed by Austria (24th), Algeria (28th) and Egypt (29th). None of these teams were among the 15 best in the world at the start of the competition.
The ranking of Argentina’s rivals in this World Cup:
- Switzerland (19th) Quarterfinals
- Austria (24th) Group stage
- Algeria (28th) Group stage
- Egypt (29th) Round of 16
- Jordan (63rd) Group stage
- Cape Verde (67th) Round of 32
Argentina’s path to the semifinals (with its FIFA ranking before the tournament began):
Algeria (28th)
Austria (24th)
Jordan (63rd)
Cape Verde (67th)
Egypt (29th)
Switzerland (19th)The average ranking of Argentina’s rivals (38th) is the highest of any team, way…
— MisterChip (Alexis) (@2010MisterChip) July 7, 2026
Switzerland, the next challenge
Now, the next obstacle for the Albiceleste will be Switzerland, a team ranked 19th in the Fifa ranking. The duel promises to be a new test for the Argentine team, which arrives with defensive doubts, but also with the confidence generated by its recent classifications in scenarios of maximum tension.
Argentina has suffered more than necessary in the knockout rounds, but continues to advance. With Messi as their flag and the dream of reaching a new World Cup semi-final, the world champions know that they no longer have room for error.