Latin America Sports Daily for Sunday, July 12, 2026

Argentina scrap into extra-time against Switzerland as World Cup semifinal picture takes shape

World Cup

Lionel Messi’s World Cup marches on but not without another fright, this time in Kansas City where Alexis Mac Allister headed home a Messi corner in the ninth minute to give the holders an early lead. Argentina’s early goal was canceled out by a 67th-minute Swiss equalizer and it’s 1-1 in extra time. Switzerland then had defender Breel Embolo sent off, leaving them to see out extra-time a man short.

The winner will face England in the semifinals, after England defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time earlier today. Jude Bellingham’s two goals were enough to see England through to the World Cup semifinal as they defeated Norway 2-1 in extra time after a thrilling contest in truly brutal conditions in South Florida.

On the other side of the draw, the continent’s two European heavyweights collide first. France take on Spain on Tuesday, 14 July, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with kickoff at 3 p.m. ET. The winner of Argentina against Switzerland then meets England on Wednesday, 15 July, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, also at 3 p.m. ET.

There is then a two-day gap before the third-place play-off on 18 July, with the final played on 19 July. For Argentina fans across the region, every extra minute in Kansas City felt like a lifetime — but the defending champions remain alive.

Racing host River in a group-stage decider that could shape Argentina’s play-off picture

Preview

While the World Cup dominates headlines, domestic football in Argentina reaches its own crunch point today. The Liga Profesional confirmed the final fixtures of the Torneo Apertura group phase, with Racing hosting River on Sunday the 12th in Avellaneda.

This closing stretch of matches will determine which sides qualify for the play-offs — Argentina’s version of the round of 16. For foreign readers unfamiliar with the format, Argentine football splits its top flight into two zones, with the leading eight from each zone advancing to a knockout stage later this month.

River, who play in Zone B, and Racing both need results to secure home advantage in the play-offs, making this Avellaneda derby-adjacent fixture far more than a routine league date. Expect a raucous atmosphere at El Cilindro as both sets of fans treat it as a dress rehearsal for the knockout rounds to come.

Sinner and Zverev collide in a Wimbledon final that doubles as a Channel Slam bid

Feature

Tennis takes centre stage in London today, and it matters far beyond Europe given the global following both finalists command. The 2026 Wimbledon men’s singles final takes place on Sunday, 12 July, with Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev set for a blockbuster showdown.

Defending champion Sinner is aiming to win his second Wimbledon crown and fifth Grand Slam title, while Zverev is seeking his first Wimbledon trophy and a second major title following his Roland Garros triumph last month. A win for the German would complete what’s known as the Channel Slam — Roland Garros and Wimbledon in the same season.

History favours the Italian: Sinner leads Zverev 10-4 in their head-to-head series, having won each of their past nine meetings, including four victories this season. Play begins not before 4 p.m. BST — 11 a.m. ET — on Centre Court, followed by the ladies’ doubles final.

Colapinto’s Silverstone comeback lifts spirits before F1 heads to Spa

Analysis

Formula 1 had its own weekend of drama last time out at Silverstone, with implications still resonating as the paddock prepares for its next stop. Charles Leclerc claimed his first Formula 1 win in over a year in the British Grand Prix after a late mechanical failure for championship leader Kimi Antonelli, with the race finishing under safety car following an off for Max Verstappen.

George Russell crossed the line in second after the race finished under the safety car, with Lewis Hamilton in the sister Ferrari finishing third after serving a five-second penalty for a false start. For Latin American fans, the standout story was further down the order.

Argentina’s Franco Colapinto benefited from a slow Pierre Gasly pitstop but still drove a brilliant comeback race from his qualifying position, despite a floor problem that cost him downforce. It was another reminder that South America’s lone current grand prix driver remains capable of turning heads.

Formula 1 returns to action at the Belgian Grand Prix from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July, with the race starting at 3pm local time at Spa-Francorchamps. Expect Colapinto’s progress to be closely watched by fans back home as the championship battle intensifies.

Why the Copa Libertadores and Brasileirão have gone quiet — and what’s coming next

Analysis

Regular readers following South American club football may have noticed a lull, and there’s a simple explanation. Flamengo remain the defending Copa Libertadores champions, but the competition has paused entirely to make way for the World Cup.

The Libertadores round of 16 will not resume until between Tuesday 11 August and Thursday 20 August. Among the sides already gone is one of the continent’s giants — Boca Juniors were eliminated from the Libertadores 2026 after losing at home to Universidad Católica.

There’s a tantalising possibility further down the road, though. A repeat of last year’s final could be on the cards, since Flamengo and Palmeiras currently sit in different halves of the knockout draw. Brazil’s domestic league is on the same break — Palmeiras do not return to Brasileirão action until they host Atlético-MG on 26 July at the Nubank Parque.

So for now, the region’s biggest clubs are watching the World Cup like everyone else, with the real South American club drama resuming in the second half of the northern summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Who do Argentina play next in the World Cup, and when?

Argentina’s quarter-final against Switzerland went to extra-time after finishing 1-1, with Switzerland reduced to ten men following Breel Embolo’s red card.

Whoever advances faces England on Wednesday, 15 July, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, kicking off at 3 p.m. ET.

Why is there no Copa Libertadores or Brasileirão action this weekend?

Both competitions have paused to make way for the World Cup. The Libertadores round of 16 resumes between 11 and 20 August, while Brasileirão action for Palmeiras does not return until 26 July against Atlético-MG.

What’s next for Argentina’s Franco Colapinto in Formula 1?

Colapinto impressed with a comeback drive at the British Grand Prix despite a technical problem in qualifying. He’ll be back in action at the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps from 17 to 19 July.