Switzerland Beat Colombia on Penalties to Reach First World Cup Quarter-Final Since 1954

Posted : 08 July 2026

Switzerland secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a tense 0-0 draw after extra time at BC Place in Vancouver.

The match produced few clear-cut chances during normal time, with both teams struggling to break down disciplined defensive displays. Colombia came closest in the opening half when Gustavo Puerta forced Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel into an excellent save with a curling effort.

Switzerland responded through Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas dealt comfortably with both attempts. Djibril Sow also fired over the crossbar shortly after coming on at half-time as Switzerland searched for a breakthrough.

The second half remained evenly balanced. Rieder sent a free-kick into the side netting, while Colombia's Luis Suárez wasted a promising opportunity after winning possession from Granit Xhaka near the Swiss penalty area.

According to Opta statistics, the two teams combined for just 0.7 expected goals during the 90 minutes, making it the lowest xG total recorded in regulation time at the 2026 World Cup.

Colombia looked the more dangerous side during extra time. Jhon Lucumí struck the crossbar with a powerful header from Juan Fernando Quintero's corner before Jaminton Campaz tested Kobel with a fierce long-range effort. Campaz then squandered the best chance of the match in the 115th minute, firing over the bar after capitalising on a defensive mistake from Xhaka.

With neither side able to find a winning goal, the contest was decided by penalties.

Quintero converted Colombia's opening kick before Xhaka's effort slipped into the net despite Vargas getting a hand to it. Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar to hand Switzerland the early advantage. Although Manuel Akanji later missed for the Swiss by blasting over the bar, Gregor Kobel produced the decisive save by denying Cucho Hernández. Substitute Rubén Vargas calmly converted the winning penalty to send Switzerland through.

The victory sends Switzerland into their first World Cup quarter-final since 1954, where they will face defending champions Argentina.

Kobel delivered another outstanding performance, making several key saves during the match before becoming the hero in the shootout. Switzerland had won only one of their previous five penalty shootouts at major international tournaments, but they held their nerve to end that disappointing record.

For Colombia, the defeat extended an unwanted statistic. They have now been eliminated in all three of their World Cup knockout matches that have gone beyond normal time, despite producing the stronger attacking display during extra time.

Switzerland Beat Colombia on Penalties to Reach First World Cup Quarter-Final Since 1954

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