Switzerland are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging out Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless stal
Switzerland are through to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging out Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout, following a goalless stalemate through 120 minutes at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday.
Both sides failed to break the deadlock in regulation and extra time, despite Colombia enjoying the better of the chances.
Jhon Lucumí rattled the crossbar with a header, while Jáminton Campaz spurned a glorious opening late on, blazing over the bar after being played through by a defensive slip.
Colombia ended the game with the higher expected-goals figure, 1.03 against Switzerland’s 0.35, but a lack of clinical finishing meant the game went to spot kicks.
In the shootout, Granit Xhaka sent Switzerland ahead first, before Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar with Colombia’s opening attempt.
Zeki Amdouni made no mistake to put the Swiss 2-1 up, and although Campaz replied for Colombia, Cédric Itten restored the two-goal cushion on the next kick.
Colombia’s hopes faded further when Cucho Hernández saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, allowing Rubén Vargas to step up and fire home the decisive penalty for a 4-3 win. Luis Díaz’s late conversion for Colombia only served as a consolation.
The victory marks a historic moment for Switzerland, who have now won back-to-back knockout matches at a single World Cup for the first time and reached the last eight for the first time since 1954.
For Colombia, it is heartbreak once again in the round of 16, having also exited on penalties to England back in 2018.
Switzerland were missing injured breakout talent Johan Manzambi, but goalkeeper Kobel stepped up when it mattered, making crucial saves in normal time before excelling in the shootout to send his side through.
Colombia’s John Arias spoke of the weight of a nation’s expectation after the match, admitting the scale of the disappointment matched the size of the dream the team had built.
Switzerland will now take on defending champions Argentina, who fought back from behind to defeat Egypt 3-2, in the quarterfinals in Kansas City, Missouri, on Saturday.
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