Switzerland beats Colombia in shootout

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw, securing their first World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954. They will now face defending champions Argentina, highlighting a major step forward after three consecutive round-of-16 exits in previous tournaments.

Switzerland advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout against Colombia following a scoreless draw on Tuesday night at BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia. This marks Switzerland’s first appearance in the quarterfinals since they last hosted the tournament in 1954.

The match was characterized by contrasting styles, with Switzerland adopting a more organized and structured approach, while Colombia pushed a more attack-oriented game. Despite Switzerland holding a slight advantage in possession, both teams managed just two shots on goal during regulation time, resulting in a tightly contested and low-scoring encounter.

Switzerland faced some challenges leading into the game, notably the absence of young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was sidelined due to an injury sustained in training on Monday. Forward Ruben Vargas, who has scored twice during the tournament, also left training early the same day but was available on the bench and came on during stoppage time at the end of the 90 minutes.

In the shootout, Vargas successfully converted his penalty, while Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez’s attempt hit the crossbar. Additionally, Swiss goalkeeper Grego Kobel made a crucial save on Colombia’s Cucho Hernandez, which was decisive in securing Switzerland’s progression.

Looking ahead, Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina advanced with a 3-2 win over Egypt earlier on Tuesday.

The match drew a sold-out crowd heavily supporting Colombia, with many fans dressed in yellow. Among those in attendance was FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who has faced criticism in recent months.

Switzerland’s advancement marks a significant moment for the team, which reached the round of 16 in the past three World Cups but failed to progress further while the tournament featured a smaller field of 32 teams. Their victory on Tuesday sets the stage for a high-profile quarterfinal match against the reigning titleholders.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.