Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties to reach the World Cup quarterfinals after the teams played to a scoreless draw in the final Round of 16 match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the last game of the tournament to be played outside the U.S.
Both teams missed penalties in the shootout before Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a brilliant save to deny Cucho Hernandez. Ruben Vargas then converted the winning penalty to send Switzerland into the quarterfinals.
Backed by thousands of passionate supporters in Vancouver, Colombia had conceded only one goal in its previous four matches, while Switzerland also entered the game with a strong defensive record.
The first real chance came in the 21st minute when Kobel made an excellent save to stop Gustavo Puerta's curling shot from the edge of the penalty area.
Switzerland became the last team to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup after winning a penalty shootout over Colombia. They will challenge Argentina. pic.twitter.com/Z3IDIkq8Jr
— World Cup 2026 (@ofootball__) July 7, 2026
Switzerland increased the pressure after the first cooling break. Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made a fine save to deny Fabian Rieder before stopping another effort from Dan Ndoye. The first half ended scoreless as the evenly matched teams struggled to create clear scoring opportunities.
Switzerland started the second half strongly, but Colombia also threatened. Luis Suarez had a good chance but fired his shot wide.
Both coaches made several substitutions after halftime, but neither team created many clear chances. Colombia's star winger, Luis Diaz, was also kept quiet throughout the match.
Ndoye sent a dangerous ball across the face of goal in stoppage time, but no teammate was able to get on the end of it, and the match remained scoreless after regulation. The game became more lively in the first period of extra time.
Switzerland are through to the @FIFAWorldCup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954! 👏🇨🇭 pic.twitter.com/4thteS9a7M
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) July 7, 2026
Colombia defender Jhon Lucumi headed the ball against the crossbar from a corner in the ninth minute, while Kobel made another outstanding save to stop a powerful shot from Jaminton Campaz as Colombia increased the pressure. At the other end, Camilo Vargas dived to his left to save a shot from Switzerland substitute Zeki Amdouni.
Campaz then missed a golden opportunity to score the winning goal with five minutes remaining in extra time. With neither team able to break the deadlock, the match was decided by a penalty shootout. Switzerland will face Argentina in the World Cup quarterfinals in Kansas City on Saturday after Lionel Messi's side defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in Atlanta.
Switzerland last reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 1954, when it hosted the tournament.
