Argentina receive massive boost as Switzerland suffer huge blow ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 clash

Argentina have been given a much better chance at beating Switzerland at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The South American giants and the European underdogs go head-to-head in the early hours of Sunday morning (UK time), at Los Angeles Stadium in Inglewood, California, USA.

Johan Manzambi can’t play against Argentina

Switzerland will have to try to defeat Argentina without Johan Manzambi. The Newcastle United star missed his country’s last 16 clash with Colombia and will remain out of action in one of the biggest games in Swiss history.

The injury is anything but ideal for Switzerland’s goal threat. Manzambi looked tremendous throughout the group stage, bagging three goals and two assists.

As per ESPN, manager, Murat Yakin, explained: “Unfortunately, Johan Manzambi’s injury hurts us enormously. It was a real shock. He had momentum on his side. You could see the joy with which he was playing and also how his teammates responded. You could see how well everything had been functioning during this tournament. Unfortunately, he can’t play. That’s very painful, but we’ll absorb that as a team.”

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The situation will no doubt have a negative impact on Switzerland, which has historically struggled against Argentina. In seven games, Yakin’s men have yet to claim a victory over the reigning world champions. This is the first time the teams have clashed since an Angel Di Maria goal eliminated Switzerland from FIFA World Cup 2014.

Of course, the result of that match has stuck with the players, with Granit Xhaka adamant that things will be different this time. According to ESPN, he said: “After 12 years we’re standing here again — with Ricky, with myself. We know that this is a new, completely different Switzerland, with a different mentality, with a different generation. Football in Switzerland has improved.”

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