Switzerland defeated Colombia in a penalty shootout to advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.
On July 8, in a Round of 16 match held at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, Switzerland and Colombia ended regulation and extra time in a 0-0 draw before Switzerland triumphed 4-3 in the shootout.
Both teams were unable to score during the match. Colombia made a substitution in the second half, bringing on Juan Fernando Quintero for James Rodríguez, while Switzerland introduced Rubén Vargas late in the second half, but neither team could break the deadlock.
In extra time, Colombia created significant chances. In the first half of extra time, John Lucumí's header hit the crossbar, and in the second half, Jaminton Campas missed a one-on-one opportunity by shooting over the goal. Switzerland also threatened with a shot from Jaki Amduuni, but Colombia's goalkeeper Camilo Vargas made the save.
The penalty shootout saw contrasting fortunes. Colombia's Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campas, and Luis Díaz converted their kicks, but Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar, and Cuco Hernández's shot was saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Switzerland found success with Granit Xhaka and Jaki Amduuni scoring their penalties. The final kicker, Rubén Vargas, calmly found the net to seal the victory.
With this win, Switzerland reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years, since 1954. They will face Argentina in the quarterfinals, after Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 to advance.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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