7M - World Cup 2026 Preview: Argentina vs Switzerland - prediction, team news, lineups

An electrifying World Cup encounter is set for Kansas City Stadium this Sunday as an unstoppable Argentina side puts their remarkable winning streak on the line against a resilient and dangerous Switzerland team.

Match Preview

Argentina enter this fixture in absolutely terrifying form. The Albiceleste have won all 10 of their last 10 matches across all competitions, dropping zero points along the way. When stretching their timeline further, Argentina are currently riding a spectacular 12-match winning streak and boast an incredible 22-match unbeaten run as the designated home side.

An explosive attack has been the engine of their success, with over 2.5 goals occurring in seven of their last ten matches across all tournaments. During this scorching run, Argentina have averaged a massive 2.8 goals per game. They are also incredibly fast starters, opening the scoring in eight of their last ten games, making them a nightmare to track once they get ahead.

Switzerland, however, will be no pushovers. While their ten-match record shows four wins, five draws, and one defeat, they arrive in Kansas City carrying immense momentum of their own. The Swiss have won their last four consecutive matches and are currently on a formidable eight-game unbeaten streak on their travels.

Switzerland have also proven to be expert starters, striking first in nine of their last ten matches overall. They have managed to score an average of 1.8 goals per game over their last ten outings, showing they have the firepower to test the South American heavyweights. Historically, these two sides have met three times, with Argentina averaging 1.66 goals per game compared to Switzerland's 0.66, though both teams found the back of the net in two of those three previous encounters.

Team News & Starters

Argentina will naturally build their game plan around the extraordinary Lionel Messi. The legendary playmaker is having a sensational tournament, racking up a staggering ten goals in just six World Cup appearances. Stopping Messi will be the primary, unenviable task for the Swiss backline.

Switzerland will look to their own tournament standout, Johan Manzambi, to spearhead the attack. Manzambi has been crucial to the Swiss national team's deep run, contributing three World Cup goals so far, and his ability to exploit spaces on the counter-attack will be vital.

Possible Starting Lineups

(Official lineups to be confirmed closer to kickoff)

Argentina possible starting lineup:
E. Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister; Messi, Alvarez, Gonzalez

Switzerland possible starting lineup:
Sommer; Widmer, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Rieder, Ndoye, Vargas; Manzambi

Prediction: Argentina 3-1 Switzerland

This promises to be a high-octane battle given both teams' habit of scoring the opening goal. Switzerland are structured, highly disciplined on the road, and entering this match on a multi-game winning streak. However, Argentina are operating on a completely different level right now. With a 12-game winning run and Messi scoring at a historic rate of nearly two goals per game this tournament, the reigning champions have too much attacking variety to be denied.