SWIZZ ROLLS INTO QUARTERS
Switzerland reached the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw in their last-16 match at BC Place in Vancouver.
The victory sent the Swiss into the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954 after one of the tournament’s toughest contests.
Neither team could break the deadlock over 120 minutes despite creating several promising chances. Colombia looked more dangerous for extended periods, with Jaminton Campaz and Jhon Lucumí both going close, while Switzerland relied on Gregor Kobel’s outstanding goalkeeping to keep the South Americans out. The Swiss also threatened on the counterattack but could not get past Colombia’s defence in regulation or extra time.
Switzerland held their nerve in the shootout, with Kobel making the decisive save before Ruben Vargas calmly converted the winning penalty to spark jubilant celebrations among the Swiss players and fans. Coach Murat Yakin praised his team’s resilience and the impact of his substitutes after leading Switzerland into the last eight.
Switzerland will now face defending champions Argentina in a mouth-watering quarter-final, while Colombia bow out after an impressive tournament in which they pushed one of Europe’s most disciplined sides all the way to penalties.
