Switzerland booked a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals after edging past Colombia 4-3 in a tense penalty shootout in Vancouver.
The match ended goalless after extra time before Ruben Vargas confidently converted the decisive penalty, ending the nation’s 72-year wait for a place in the last eight.
Switzerland will now face Argentina for a spot in the semi-finals.
Switzerland suffered a setback before kick-off when a knee injury ruled influential midfielder Johan Manzambi out of the match.
Despite enjoying more possession and dictating the tempo, Colombia failed to turn their dominance into goals during the opening period.
Gustavo Puerta came closest to breaking the deadlock with a curling strike from outside the area, but Gregor Kobel produced a superb save to keep Switzerland level.
Switzerland offered little attacking threat in normal time, with Fabian Rieder’s left-footed volley comfortably dealt with by Camilo Vargas.
The contest became far more open in extra time as John Lucumi’s powerful header struck the crossbar, while substitute Zeki Amdouni forced another save from Vargas.
Jaminton Campaz also squandered an excellent chance for Colombia by firing over the bar.
The contest was ultimately decided from the penalty spot after neither side found a breakthrough.
Colombia paid the price for two costly misses, with Sanchez hitting the crossbar and Hernandez seeing his effort saved by Kobel.
Vargas stepped up to convert the decisive penalty and seal Switzerland’s memorable victory.
Reflecting on the triumph, Vargas admitted he had been uncertain about his fitness before the match and described scoring the winning penalty as a special moment.
The result sends Switzerland into their first FIFA World Cup quarter-final since 1954 and keeps their dream of lifting the trophy alive.
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