July 8 (THEWILL) — Switzerland secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw in their Round of 16 clash at BC Place in Vancouver on Monday.
The victory sends the Swiss into the last eight of the tournament for the first time in more than seven decades, matching their best-ever World Cup performance achieved in 1954.
Neither side was able to break the deadlock during 120 minutes of football, with clear-cut opportunities proving difficult to create in a tense and tactical encounter.
Switzerland threatened through Fabian Rieder in the first half, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas produced a fine save from close range. At the other end, Gregor Kobel was equally alert, denying Gustavo Puerta with a well-timed stop to keep the scores level.
Colombia gradually assumed control as the contest wore on and looked the more likely side to find a winner during extra time.
Defender Jhon Lucumí came agonisingly close when his powerful header struck the crossbar, while the South Americans continued to push forward without finding a decisive breakthrough.
With neither team able to settle the tie, the match was decided from the penalty spot.
The shootout delivered more drama as Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji fired his effort over the crossbar before Kobel responded with an important save to deny Cucho Hernández.
Colombia’s hopes suffered another major setback when Davinson Sánchez saw his penalty strike the crossbar and bounce on the goal line without crossing into the net.
Ruben Vargas then stepped forward to calmly convert the decisive kick, sending Camilo Vargas the wrong way and sparking jubilant celebrations among the Swiss players and supporters.
The result marks Switzerland’s best World Cup campaign in 72 years and continues an impressive tournament in which Johan Manzambi has emerged as one of the team’s standout performers.
For Colombia, it was another painful Round of 16 exit decided by penalties, extending a frustrating pattern after suffering a similar fate at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-finals in Kansas City, with Lionel Messi’s side arriving after a dramatic comeback victory over Egypt.
