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KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Switzerland considers its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign a success despite suffering a 3-1 defeat to Argentina in the quarterfinals, with head coach Murat Yakin and Swiss Football Association officials expressing pride in the team's progress.

Yakin, Swiss Football Association president Peter Knaebel, and national team director Pierluigi Tami praised Switzerland's run to the last eight after the team was eliminated by defending champion Argentina on Saturday in Kansas City.

The match turned in Argentina's favor after Switzerland was reduced to 10 players shortly after leveling the score in the second half. Striker Breel Embolo received a second yellow card following a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review that determined he had simulated a foul inside the penalty area.

Speaking on Sunday, Yakin remained frustrated with the officiating, saying the circumstances surrounding the match made Switzerland's task even more difficult.

"We played not only against a great Argentina side and the world champions, but also against 70,000 Argentine fans, the referee, and VAR. That is simply too much. Naturally, the elimination hurts," Yakin said during a press conference.

Despite the disappointing exit, the Swiss coach believes the team has built a solid foundation for future international competitions.

"We are far from finished. We have a good mix of players. We have consistently integrated young players," he said.

Yakin also reaffirmed his commitment to leading the national team, saying he has no intention of stepping away from the role.

"I still love being a coach and am proud to be the head coach of the Swiss national team. I am truly enthusiastic about working with this squad. There is absolutely no thought in my mind of taking a different path," he said.

The 51-year-old former Switzerland international, who earned 49 caps during his playing career, has managed the national team for the past five years and remains under contract for two more years.

Yakin said Switzerland intends to remain competitive while continuing to develop its younger players.

"We want to remain ambitious in upcoming campaigns as well. At the same time, the Nations League in particular gives us the opportunity to give young players a chance," he said.

Switzerland will compete in the second tier of the UEFA Nations League after being relegated in 2024. The team is scheduled to face North Macedonia, Scotland, and Slovenia in the coming months.

Knaebel and Tami echoed Yakin's optimism, saying Switzerland's quarterfinal appearance should be viewed as a significant achievement.

"It is difficult to take stock so soon after the match," Tami said. "We were so close to a great result. We must be proud of how our team represented us in such a major tournament." -Writing by Mark Gleeson in Atlanta; Editing by Toby Davis/Reuters