Vancouver: Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 on Tuesday, booking a quarterfinal showdown with defending champions Argentina.
The final Round of 16 match, which was also the last game of the tournament to be played outside the United States, produced few clear-cut chances over 120 minutes before Switzerland held their nerve in the penalty shootout.
Kobel Stars as Both Teams Fail to Break Deadlock
Both teams entered the contest with impressive defensive records, and that was evident from the opening whistle. Colombia created the first meaningful opportunity in the 21st minute when Gustavo Puerta curled a powerful effort towards goal, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a spectacular diving save to keep the scores level.
Switzerland gradually found their rhythm after the first hydration break. Fabian Rieder tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with a powerful strike before Dan Ndoye forced another important save. However, neither side managed to find the breakthrough as the match remained goalless at halftime.
The Swiss continued to press after the restart, while Colombia looked dangerous on the counterattack. Luis Suarez missed a promising chance, firing wide, while Colombia’s star winger Luis Diaz was kept under control by Switzerland’s disciplined defence throughout the match.
Despite several substitutions by both managers, neither team was able to create a decisive opening. Switzerland almost snatched victory in stoppage time when Dan Ndoye flashed a dangerous ball across the face of goal, but no teammate was able to apply the finishing touch, sending the contest into extra time.
Switzerland Beat Colombia in Penalty Shootout, Argentina Await
The game finally came alive during the additional 30 minutes. Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi came closest to breaking the deadlock when his header struck the crossbar from a corner. Moments later, Kobel produced another brilliant save to deny Jaminton Campaz from close range.
At the other end, Camilo Vargas responded with an excellent stop to keep out substitute Zeki Amdouni, ensuring the deadlock remained intact. Campaz later squandered a golden opportunity to win the match for Colombia, leaving the outcome to be decided by penalties.
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In the shootout, both teams missed early spot-kicks before Gregor Kobel emerged as Switzerland’s hero by saving Cucho Hernandez’s penalty. Ruben Vargas then confidently converted the decisive penalty as Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 in the shootout to secure a place in the quarterfinals.
The victory means Switzerland beat Colombia to reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, when they hosted the tournament. They will now face defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday after Lionel Messi’s side defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day.
With confidence soaring after the dramatic victory, Switzerland beat Colombia in one of the most closely fought matches of the tournament and will now look to continue their impressive FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against one of the title favourites.