Follow Us on Google
Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw after 120 minutes at BC Place in Vancouver.
Neither side could find a breakthrough in regulation or extra time despite creating several opportunities in a closely contested Round of 16 encounter, forcing the tie into a dramatic penalty shootout.
The Swiss held their nerve from the spot to secure victory after goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save from Cucho Hernández, while Colombia defender Davinson Sánchez also failed to convert his effort.
Although Manuel Akanji missed Switzerland’s fourth penalty by firing over the crossbar, Colombia could not capitalise as their missed opportunities proved costly.
Luis Díaz converted Colombia’s final successful spot-kick to level the shootout at 3-3, but Ruben Vargas calmly dispatched the decisive penalty into the bottom corner, sending the Swiss into the last eight for the first time since the 1954 FIFA World Cup.
The match itself was a tactical contest, with both teams cancelling each other out throughout 90 minutes and an additional 30 minutes of extra time.
Switzerland enjoyed more possession, while Colombia threatened on the counterattack, but neither side managed to produce the decisive moment.
The victory sets up an intriguing quarter-final showdown against defending champions Argentina, who staged a remarkable late comeback earlier on Tuesday to defeat Egypt 3-2.
Switzerland will now look to continue their historic World Cup campaign when they face Lionel Messi’s side, while Colombia bow out after a resilient tournament that ultimately ended in heartbreak from the penalty spot.
