Switzerland’s president, Guy Parmelin, commended the men’s national football team following their defeat in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals against defending champions Argentina.
He described the squad’s campaign as an “exceptional run” that united the nation.
The Swiss team’s aspiration to reach their first-ever World Cup semi-final ended in Kansas City, where Argentina secured a 3-1 victory in extra time. Julian Alvarez scored a stunning strike in the 112th minute, followed by a late goal from Lautaro Martinez, after the match was tied 1-1 at the conclusion of regular time.
After the defeat, Parmelin posted on X: “The Nati’s beautiful journey comes to an end in the quarterfinals of the @FIFAWorldCup. Despite today’s disappointment, what I will remember most is an exceptional run and a united team that thrilled all of Switzerland. Thank you for these emotions and a huge well done to everyone!”
Argentina took the lead early in the match when Alexis Mac Allister headed in a corner from Lionel Messi in the 10th minute. Switzerland then gained momentum and equalised midway through the second half as Dan Ndoye linked well with Ricardo Rodriguez before scoring past Emiliano Martinez.
Switzerland’s progress was hampered when Breel Embolo received a second yellow card and was sent off, reducing the team to ten men for the rest of the match. Despite this disadvantage, Murat Yakin’s team defended robustly and forced extra time, during which they frustrated Argentina for lengthy periods.
The decisive goal came from Alvarez in the 112th minute with a curling long-range effort into the top corner. As Switzerland pressed forward to find another equaliser, Lautaro Martinez scored late to confirm Argentina’s place in the semi-finals.
Although Switzerland’s World Cup journey ended in disappointment, their disciplined and resilient performances earned widespread admiration. Reaching the last eight marked the nation’s best World Cup progression in over 70 years and brought them within one victory of a historic first semi-final appearance.
Argentina will face England in the semi-finals, as Lionel Scaloni’s team pursue becoming the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to retain the FIFA World Cup title.