Alexis Mac Allister scored Argentina’s fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup to help his country to a 3-1 win over Switzerland and set up a semi-final against England.
After a difficult campaign with Liverpool, Mac Allister has been in fine form throughout this summer’s World Cup with Argentina.
Saturday night saw the 27-year-old start for the fifth time in six games so far, and he marked it with the opening goal in a 3-1 quarter-final victory over Switzerland.
His was a header, rising above Manuel Akanji to nod in Lionel Messi’s delivery, and with only nine minutes and 36 seconds on the clock it was Argentina’s fastest goal of the tournament.
But with Dan Ndoye equalising midway through the second half, the tie went to extra time despite Switzerland seeing Breel Embolo sent off.
A stunning effort from Julian Alvarez proved the decider, with Lautaro Martinez then adding another right at the death to book Argentina’s semi-final spot.
With England beating Norway 2-1 in a game which also went to extra time earlier in the night, it sets up a tense final-four clash.
How did the media rate Mac Allister vs. Switzerland?
3ETF1B8 Alexis Mac Allister of Argentina during the FIFA World Cup Group J match between Argentina and Austria at Dallas Stadium, Dallas on Monday 22nd June 2026. (Photo: Pat Isaacs | MI News) Credit: MI News & Sport /Alamy Live News
It was not the finest performance of Argentina’s World Cup and that reflected in the ratings from Ole‘s Hernan Claus, with Mac Allister awarded a six out of 10 like Messi.
Nevertheless, Claus wrote of Liverpool’s No. 10: “A lion at defending the ball when he had it. A performance that justified his starting place in the World Cup.”
GOAL‘s Alex Labidou gave Mac Allister a joint-high rating of eight out of 10, describing him as “more aggressive in attack than he usually is.”
When is England vs. Argentina World Cup semi-final?
File photo dated 06-07-2026 of England players celebrating at the Mexico City Stadium. England's 3-2 World Cup win over Mexico in the early hours of Monday morning broke BBC viewing records, the corporation has said. Issue date: Tuesday July 7, 2026.
England and Argentina will meet in their semi-final on Wednesday, July 15, kicking off at 8pm BST – with France vs. Spain taking place the night previous.
It will be the first time the two countries have met in any capacity since a 3-2 friendly win for England in November 2005, and their first clash at a World Cup since 2002.
David Beckham’s penalty – redemption for his costly red card in the last 16 in 1998 – earned a 1-0 victory that day, but it could prove a very different challenge this time around.
What does Mac Allister’s World Cup progress mean for Liverpool?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, May 9, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister applauds the supporters after the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Chelsea FC at Anfield. The game ended 1-1. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
As for Liverpool, Mac Allister’s progress to the semi-finals means that, like Spain’s Victor Munoz, he will miss almost all of the pre-season schedule.
With players likely to be given three weeks off after the conclusion of their time at the World Cup, the earliest Mac Allister and Munoz should now return is August 10.
By that point, Liverpool will have already played friendlies against Sunderland, Wrexham and Leeds in the United States, while they face Monaco at Anfield on August 9.
The only friendly Mac Allister could be expected to take part in is against Como at Anfield on August 16 – a week before the Premier League season begins at Newcastle.