(foto: Getty Images)
Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in Vancouver to book a quarter-final showdown with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup.
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Switzerland became the final team to reach the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw at BC Place in Vancouver.
The result means only one South American nation, defending champions Argentina, remains in the tournament, while Switzerland will now face Lionel Scaloni's side for a place in the semi-finals.
The final Round of 16 match was a cautious affair from the opening whistle, with neither team willing to take unnecessary risks.
Colombia produced the first meaningful opportunity in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta struck from the edge of the penalty area, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel reacted superbly to make the save.
Switzerland gradually found its rhythm before halftime. Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye both tested goalkeeper Kevin Mier Vargas, who kept the match level with two important saves.
The Swiss started the second half brightly. Ndoye created an excellent chance for Michel Aebischer Sow, while Rieder came close with a dangerous free-kick that narrowly missed the target.
As the match wore on, clear-cut chances became increasingly rare and extra time appeared inevitable.
Colombia almost found a breakthrough in the first period of extra time when defender Jhon Lucumí powered a header against the crossbar from a corner kick. Moments later, Kobel produced another outstanding save to deny Johan Campaz.
The final major incident before the penalty shootout came in the 117th minute when Lucumí was forced off injured and replaced by veteran defender Yerry Mina.
With nothing separating the teams after 120 minutes, the last quarter-final place was decided from the penalty spot.
Switzerland converted four of its five penalties, while Colombia missed twice, allowing the Swiss to celebrate one of the biggest victories in their recent football history.
Penalty shootout
Colombia: Juan Fernando Quintero ✓, Davinson Sánchez ✗, Johan Campaz ✓, Cucho Hernández ✗, Luis Díaz ✓.
Switzerland: Granit Xhaka ✓, Zeki Amdouni ✓, Manuel Akanji ✗, Cedric Itten ✓, Ruben Vargas ✓.
2026 World Cup, Round of 16
Switzerland 0-0 Colombia
Switzerland win 4-3 on penalties.
Switzerland: Gregor Kobel, Ricardo Rodríguez, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi, Denis Zakaria, Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, Dan Ndoye, Ardon Jashari, Fabian Rieder, Breel Embolo.
Substitutes: Michel Aebischer Sow (46'), Muheim (71'), Cedric Itten, Silvan Widmer (86'), Ruben Vargas (90'), Zeki Amdouni (103').
Coach: Murat Yakin.
Colombia: Kevin Mier Vargas, Daniel Muñoz, Davinson Sánchez, Jhon Lucumí, Johan Mojica, Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta, Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, Luis Suárez.
Substitutes: Juan Fernando Quintero, Johan Campaz (66'), Richard Ríos, Cucho Hernández (82'), Yerry Mina (118').
Coach: Néstor Lorenzo.
Venue: BC Place, Vancouver.
Referee: Iván Barton (El Salvador).