Switzerland Beat Colombia 4-3 on Penalties to Reach World Cup 2026 Quarter-finals

Xtratime Web Desk: Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging Colombia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout following a goalless 120-minute contest in the Round of 16.

The tightly contested encounter saw neither side manage to break the deadlock despite creating several promising opportunities. Switzerland eventually held their nerve in the shootout to seal a memorable victory.

With the win, Switzerland reached the FIFA World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. They now face an even tougher challenge, with Argentina awaiting them in the last eight.

The match was evenly balanced from start to finish. Both teams battled fiercely for possession, dominated spells in midfield, and defended resolutely, preventing either side from finding the breakthrough. Although chances came at both ends, poor finishing and outstanding goalkeeping ensured the game remained scoreless.

Switzerland suffered a major setback before kick-off with the absence of key attacking player Johan Manzambi, who missed the match due to a knee injury. Colombia, meanwhile, looked to experienced playmaker James Rodríguez to inspire their attack.

Colombia produced the first clear-cut opportunity in the 21st minute. Gustavo Puerta curled a fine effort after a move initiated by James Rodríguez, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel pulled off a brilliant diving save to keep the scores level.

Nine minutes later, Switzerland responded with a golden chance of their own. Fabian Rieder's powerful strike was superbly denied by Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas, who was called into action again moments later to stop Dan Ndoye from close range.

Switzerland came out with greater attacking intent after the break. Substitute Djibril Sow came close to opening the scoring, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Colombia wasted arguably the best chance of the match in the 63rd minute. A misplaced pass from Swiss captain Granit Xhaka gifted possession to Luis Suárez, but the forward blazed his effort well over the crossbar from point-blank range.

Three minutes later, Juan Quintero replaced James Rodríguez, adding more creativity to Colombia's attack. However, offsides, misplaced passes, and Switzerland's disciplined defensive display ensured the score remained 0-0 at the end of regulation time.

Colombia enjoyed greater control during extra time and continued to push for a winner. Jaminton Campaz went down inside the penalty area during one attack, but the opportunity went begging.

Quintero then delivered an excellent corner that found Jhon Lucumí, whose powerful header struck the crossbar. Shortly afterwards, Campaz tested Kobel with a long-range effort, but the Swiss goalkeeper produced another outstanding save.

Switzerland also threatened at the other end. Substitute Zeki Amdouni fired a low shot that forced Vargas into another excellent save.

Colombia's biggest opportunity arrived in the 116th minute when Campaz found himself completely unmarked in front of goal. However, with the net at his mercy, he lifted his effort over the bar—a miss that ultimately proved decisive.

With neither side able to find a goal after 120 minutes, the tie was settled by penalties. Switzerland converted four of their spot-kicks to Colombia's three, securing a dramatic victory and a place in the quarter-finals.

The Swiss will now take on Argentina in what promises to be one of the standout quarter-final clashes. A victory would see Switzerland script another historic chapter in their FIFA World Cup journey.