KANSAS CITY — Argentina always finds a way to escape.

The defending champions advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals after yet another controversial VAR decision that favored La Albiceleste.

Call it fortunate.

Call it controversial.

Just don’t call Argentina eliminated.

Julián Álvarez unleashed one of the finest goals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the 112th minute of extra time Saturday night, blasting a right-footed rocket from outside the left edge of the penalty area that screamed into the far corner and finally broke Switzerland’s resistance.

Lautaro Martínez added another off a rebound minutes later, sending Argentina to a 3-1 victory before 69,045 fans at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.

It was another knockout escape that sent Argentina into a seventh World Cup semifinal while leaving Switzerland wondering how a match they controlled for long stretches slipped away.

Nothing has come easily for Lionel Scaloni’s side since the tournament reached the knockout rounds.

The swagger that defined Argentina’s group-stage dominance has been replaced by survival, grit and, depending on who you ask, a little help from the replay booth.