2026 World Cup: Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach quarter-finals

Switzerland progressed to the World Cup quarter-finals after a goalless game was decided by a penalty shootout, which the European side won 4-3 against Colombia.

After a cagey 120 minutes, The A-Team ultimately showed more precision with their penalties and reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.

The first chance of the game fell to Colombia just after 20 minutes when Gustavo Puerta's curling effort from the edge of the box appeared destined for the top corner, but a flying save from Gregor Kobel prevented the goal.

Switzerland had a big opportunity of their own nine minutes later when Fabian Rieder hit a sweet left-footed strike which forced a fine save from Camilo Vargas, who had to make a similar diving stop to his left to deny Dan Ndoye just a couple of minutes later.

The second half offered less opportunities for both sides, as both seemed to lack the attacking quality in and around the box to really threaten the goalkeepers, and the game went to extra time.

The game livened up in the first half of extra time as Colombia were denied a penalty in the 93rd minute, with the substitute Jaminton Campaz tripped by Miro Muheim after getting a touch in the box.

Five minutes later, La Sele got their best chance of the game as Jhon Lucumí’s header from Quintero’s corner kick rattled the crossbar.

Zeki Amdouni had Switzerland's best chance in extra time just moments after coming on as a substitute, as he snatched at a loose ball in the box and forced a quality save from Vargas, who dived low to keep him out.

Colombia should have won it late in extra time when Campaz was gifted a fantastic opportunity one-on-one with the goalkeeper after a defensive mishap by Granit Xhaka, but he curled his effort well over the bar.

The game had to be decided on penalties, where misses from Colombian captain Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez were punished by substitute Ruben Vargas, who slotted in his penalty to end the South American's side World Cup adventure.

Switzerland have broken their streak of three last-16 exits and reached their fourth-ever World Cup quarter-finals.

Murat Yakin's side now face the tough task of taking on the World Cup holders Argentina in Kansas City.