Despite missing two penalties, Lionel Messi still leads the 2026 World Cup top scorer race with 8 goals. The captain of the Argentine team will continue to be the biggest hope of the defending champion in the confrontation with Switzerland.
In attack, coach Lionel Scaloni is likely to choose one of two strikers Julian Alvarez or Lautaro Martinez to pair with Messi.
Lautaro has just left his mark with an assist for Enzo Fernandez to score the decisive goal in the victory over Egypt, while Alvarez is also a quality option.
On the left wing, Facundo Medina and Nicolas Tagliafico continue to compete for a starting spot.
Argentina has not suffered any personnel losses, but Switzerland is facing personnel concerns. Coach Murat Yakin must closely monitor the condition of Michel Aebischer, Luca Jaquez and Johan Manzambi.
Manzambi started the tournament impressively with 3 goals before suffering a knee injury and missing the victory against Colombia in the round of 16. In case Manzambi has not recovered in time, Ardon Jashari is likely to continue to be trusted after a stable performance in the recent match.
In attack, Breel Embolo is still Switzerland's number one choice. This striker has contributed to 13 goals in the last 17 appearances for the national team.
Despite playing lackluster against Colombia with no shots and only touching the ball once in the opponent's penalty area, Embolo is still rated higher than Zeki Amdouni and Cedric Itten in the competition for a starting spot.
Expected lineup:
E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, L. Martinez, Tagliafico, De Paul, Paredes, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, L. Martinez.
Kobel, Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Jashari, Xhaka, Freuler, Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas.
The match between Argentina and Switzerland takes place at 8:00 AM on July 12 (Vietnam time).
