- Argentina are on a 5-game winning streak, beating Egypt 3-2 and Cape Verde 4-3 (after extra time) in their last two games
- Switzerland are unbeaten in their last 5 games (W4, D1), defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw
Scaloni's machine roll on
Lionel Scaloni's Argentina will be favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and they arrive at the knockout stages in this competition in great form, having won their last 10 matches across all competitions. They look an unstoppable force as Scaloni, who has been in charge since 2 August 2018, has built a fluid 4-3-3 system that can also play much narrower and more controlled.
Messi is the key piece between the lines as he can run the show but also has the magic to create or score goals at any time. Argentina have scored 12 goals in their 5 match winning run, scoring at the right time when needed and playing with an ruthless 2.8 goals per game average across their last 10 fixtures.
Yakin's Nati are ready to compete
Murat Yakin has shaped Switzerland into a real unit since taking over as boss on 9 August 2021. They are structure-first and play with a high level of discipline, compactness and are very dangerous when they can break the game open with their wingers. The Nati are on a 5-4-1 run across all competitions in their last 10, but have won their last 4 straight.
Breel Embolo is their best penalty box threat, with 1 goal in 1 game in the World Cup knockout stage, making him the highest scorer for Switzerland in the knockout stage. However, they have a real live wire in Dan Ndoye, who has scored 3 in his last 5 games, contributing to the Nati's 9 goals in this 5-match unbeaten streak.
Argentina to edge a close encounter
Argentina are clearly the favourite for this game at 1.62, with Switzerland at 5.5 and the draw at 3.75. Argentina have the quality to beat Switzerland, but the Nati are a hard nut to crack and this could be a tense game.
