Trending 
Switzerland advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Colombia on Tuesday, following a goalless draw in their last-16 clash.
The win sets up an exciting showdown with defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday.
The match, the final last-16 game outside the United States, saw both teams struggle to break each other down over 90 minutes of regulation. Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel played a pivotal role, making several key saves, including a flying stop to deny Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort in the 21st minute.
Colombia’s Camilo Vargas was equally alert, turning away attempts from Fabian Rieder and Dan Ndoye as the Swiss tried to gain the upper hand, but despite multiple substitutions and tactical adjustments from both sides, neither team could find a breakthrough.
Colombia’s star winger Luis Díaz was largely contained, and a late chance from Ndoye in stoppage time went unconverted.
The first period of extra time finally produced major action, with Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi hitting the crossbar and Kobel again keeping out Jaminton Campaz. At the other end, Ruben Vargas denied a scoring opportunity to substitute Zeki Amdouni.
The tension culminated in a penalty shootout. After earlier misses from both sides, Kobel brilliantly saved Cucho Hernandez’s spot-kick, allowing Switzerland to take the advantage. Ruben Vargas stepped up to score the decisive penalty, sending the Swiss fans into jubilation.
Colombia had conceded only once in their previous four tournament matches, and Switzerland’s disciplined defence had also proved difficult to penetrate.
Switzerland’s last appearance in a World Cup quarter-final was during their home tournament in 1954, making this victory a historic moment for the Swiss side.
