Switzerland ended a 72-year wait for a World Cup quarter-final with dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout wins over Colombia and Argentina

ByTech Word News

Switzerland players greet supporters after winning the World Cup round of 16 penalty shootout between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Ethan Cairns/The Canadian Press via AP) Switzerland qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after beating Colombia 4-3 in a dramatic penalty shoot-out. A tense, high-stakes tactical battle at BC Place in Vancouver ended 0-0 after 120 minutes of normal and extra time. Murat Yakin’s resilient Swiss side showed extraordinary defensive organization to withstand relentless Colombian pressure. They earned a date with Lionel Messi and defending champions Argentina on Saturday, July 11 in Kansas City.

The first half of the tactical grid

The match started with Colombia dominating early possession and flowing through a 4-1-2-3 formation. James Rodríguez drives the pace in midfield alongside creative outlet Jhon Arias.

Colombia’s James Rodríguez, left, and Switzerland’s Ardon Jashari battle for the ball during the World Cup round of 16 soccer match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

In the 22nd minute, Colombia made the best run of the opening period. Right back Daniel Muñoz started the sequence with a short pass to Jefferson Lerma, who spotted Gustavo Puerto lurking in the area outside the box. Puerta collected the ball and headed a fierce effort into the top corner. However, the Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied a certain opening goal with a great save with his fingertips.

Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta (14) shoots on goal against Switzerland during their World Cup round of 16 match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Switzerland, missing star running back Johan Manzambi due to a late training injury, adapted to a defensive discipline. They found success using long balls to pinch hitter Breel Embolo. Just before the half-time whistle, Swiss playmaker Fabian Rieder latched on to an incisive forward pass from Granit Xhaka. Rieder worked half a yard of space and fired a crisp, low strike towards the bottom left corner. Colombia striker Camilo Vargas responded immediately, getting down to make a clean, vital save.

Big pressure and late chances

The physical demands carried over into the second half as well, when both managers demanded a breakthrough. Granit Xhaka and Denis Zakaria picked up swift yellow cards to break up dangerous Colombian crossings. Looking for a creative spark, Nestor Lorenzo introduced Juan Fernando Quintero and Jaminton Campaz. A tactical shift almost paid off in the 89th minute. Swiss defender Manuel Akanji split the midfield with a brilliantly accurate ball to Dan Ndoye. Ndoye left Johan Mojica behind, but his last shot curled agonizingly wide of the far post to keep it 0-0.

Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye (11) shoots on goal against Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez (23) during their World Cup Round of 16 match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

Overtime brought incredibly high drama. In the 101st minute, Quintero floated an accurate corner to the back post. Centre-back Jhon Lucumí rose above Nico Elvedi to hit a towering header that thundered clear off the crossbar with Kobel down.

Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, left, clears the ball against Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi during the round of 16 World Cup soccer match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

A few minutes later, Xhaka misplaced a risky defensive deflection straight at Campaza. With only Kobel to beat, Campaz curled his shot from close range over the bar.

Dramatic penalty shootout

After 120 minutes, neither side managed to break through the defensive lines and the match went to penalties:

  • Round 1: Juan Fernando Quintero went first and confidently fired a penalty down the middle. Granit Xhaka responded for Switzerland, sliding past Vargas. (1-1)
  • Round 2: Davinson Sánchez hits the penalty hard against the crossbar. Zeki Amdouni coolly converted his own to put the Swiss in front. (2-1)
  • Round 3: Jaminton Campaz squeezes his jab under Kobel’s dive. Manuel Akanji then blazed the penalty over the crossbar. (2-2)
  • Round 4: Kobel made a stunning save to deny Cucho Hernández. Cedric Itten calmly converted the penalty to take the lead. (3-2)
  • Round 5: Luis Díaz cleanly hits the necessary shot. Rubén Vargas came on under huge pressure and powerfully slotted home to secure a historic Swiss victory! (4-3)

Ultimate team match statistics

The deeply tense nature of the match reflected strongly in the final team statistics over the course of 120 minutes. Switzerland outscores Colombia in total possession with 53% compared to Colombia’s 47%. They also showed slightly better passing accuracy. The Swiss completed a total of 504 passes with an 88% pass accuracy, while Colombia successfully connected on 440 passes at an 87% clip.

Swiss players celebrate a penalty shootout victory during the World Cup Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver, British Columbia, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

However, Colombia proved much more dangerous in the final third. They shot a total of 15 shots and 3 hit the goal, forcing Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel to make 3 crucial saves. In contrast, heavily limited Switzerland generated just 7 shots, testing Colombian stopper Camilo Vargas just twice as he made 2 saves.The fiercely physical and tactical stalemate was also reflected in a large number of stoppages. Switzerland committed 22 fouls to Colombia’s 21, with the referee awarding 3 yellow cards to the Swiss side and 2 to the Colombians. Colombia’s sustained attacking pressure ended up winning 7 corners, significantly outstripping the 3 corners awarded to Switzerland.