Enzo Fernandez’s Argentina needed extra time to defeat a Switzerland side who were arguably on top until a red card changed the course of the contest.
Fernandez started for Argentina once again in Kansas City, and the reigning champions took the lead in the 10th minute when Lionel Messi’s corner was headed in by Alexis Mac Allister.
However, Switzerland arguably offered the greater threat for much of the contest, with Emiliano Martinez denying Dan Ndoye from close range and saving headers from both the Nottingham Forest winger and striker Breel Embolo.
It was Ndoye who equalised midway through the second half following a neat one-two with Ricardo Rodriguez, but the course of the contest changed five minutes later when Embolo was sent off.
Switzerland had initially been awarded a free-kick, and Leandro Paredes was shown a yellow card for what appeared to be a foul on Embolo. However, the subsequent VAR check showed the striker had dived, and he was given a second yellow card.
Argentina were unable to break down Switzerland during the initial 90 minutes, so extra time was required. Fernandez was substituted at the end of regulation time.
With eight minutes of extra time remaining, Julian Alvarez’s stunning 20-yard curler into the far top corner put Argentina in front, before Lautaro Martinez rounded off the victory in the final moments.
Argentina will now face England, whose squad includes Chelsea team-mates Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah, on Wednesday evening in Atlanta.
Malo Gusto's France will take on Spain in the other semi-final on Tuesday night.