Julian Alvarez equals Maradona with fourth World Cup knockout goal
Argentina forward Julian Alvarez delivered another clutch performance in the 2026 World Cup, scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory over Switzerland that propelled the defending champions into the semifinals.
The strike was more than just a match-winning contribution—it etched Alvarez's name alongside one of Argentina's all-time legends. The goal marked his fourth knockout-stage strike in World Cup competition, tying him with Diego Maradona on that particular list.
Lionel Messi leads all Argentines with seven knockout goals, but Alvarez, at just 26 years old, has now matched the tally of the iconic Maradona. It's a remarkable achievement for a player who has made a habit of delivering on the biggest stage.
Four of Alvarez's five career World Cup goals have come in knockout matches, a statistic that underscores his ability to rise to the occasion when the pressure is at its peak. That kind of big-game mentality cannot be taught—it's an instinctive quality that separates the good from the great.
Alvarez will have the opportunity to add to his growing knockout tally on Wednesday when Argentina face England in the semifinals. The match promises to be a fascinating encounter between two of the tournament's standout sides.
- Julian Alvarez scored Argentina's second goal in their 3-1 win over Switzerland.
- The goal was his fourth knockout-stage strike in World Cup competition.
- That tally ties him with Diego Maradona among Argentines.
- Lionel Messi leads all Argentines with seven knockout goals.
- Alvarez is 26 years old and has four of his five career World Cup goals in knockouts.
- Argentina face England in the semifinals on Wednesday.
Julian Alvarez's fourth World Cup knockout goal against Switzerland saw the 26-year-old equal Diego Maradona's tally of four, with only Lionel Messi ahead of him among Argentines. The big-game forward now prepares to face England in Wednesday's semifinal, where he could further cement his legacy.
