Julian Alvarez set a historic record for Argentina in the World Cup, scoring the second goal in a 3-1 extra-time win over Switzerland, leading the defending champions to the semi-finals of the 2026 World Cup on Sunday morning.

According to stats network Opta, Alvarez increased his tally to five goals in his World Cup career, four of which have come in the knockout rounds.

Read also

Agreement reached: Barcelona signs rising Belgian star

Romero reveals surprise about his goal against Egypt: Scaloni will kill me!

The network added that the Argentine striker thus equaled the record of legend Diego Maradona as the second highest Argentine goalscorer in World Cup knockout rounds, behind Lionel Messi who tops the list with 7 goals.

The Tango dancers took the lead against Switzerland through Alexis Mac Allister in the 10th minute, before the European side equalized in the 67th minute through Dan Ndoye, sending the match into extra time.

Argentina secured the victory with two late goals, scored by Julian Alvarez in the 112th minute and Lautaro Martinez in the 120th+1.

4 - Four of Julián Alvarez’s five career FIFA World Cup goals have been scored in the knockout rounds, tied with Diego Maradona for the second-most by an Argentinian player behind only Lionel Messi (7).

Timely. pic.twitter.com/0r6W7npZiQ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) July 12, 2026