Switzerland secured a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout following a hard-fought 0-0 draw in Vancouver.
Ruben Vargas converted the decisive spot-kick to send the Swiss into the last eight, where they will face Argentina. The victory also marks Switzerland’s first appearance in a World Cup quarter-final in more than 70 years.
Switzerland entered the match without midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was ruled out before kick-off with a knee injury. The absence of the team’s breakout performer was noticeable during a subdued first half, as Colombia controlled much of the possession but struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Colombia’s best chance before the break came through Gustavo Puerta, whose curling effort from outside the penalty area was tipped away by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel with an impressive diving save.
Clear chances remained limited after the interval. Colombia came close when Luis Suarez fired wide from a promising position, while Switzerland threatened through Fabian Rieder, whose left-footed volley was comfortably saved by Camilo Vargas.
The match opened up during extra time, with both teams creating opportunities to break the deadlock. Jhon Lucumi struck the crossbar with a powerful header for Colombia, while Swiss substitute Zeki Amdouni tested Camilo Vargas with a well-hit effort. Jaminton Campaz also had a golden opportunity for Colombia but sent his shot over the crossbar.
With neither side able to find a winner after 120 minutes, the contest was decided by penalties.
Colombia’s hopes faded when Davinson Sanchez hit the underside of the crossbar with his spot-kick before Cucho Hernandez was denied by Kobel. Ruben Vargas then calmly converted the winning penalty, sealing Switzerland’s progression to the quarter-finals and setting up a meeting with Argentina.
