Switzerland players celebrate after winning the penalty shootout during the Fifa World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match against Colombia. Photo by Getty Images
SWITZERLAND have written a new chapter in their football history after booking a place in the Fifa World Cup 2026 quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years.
The Swiss defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw in their Round of 16 clash at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Tuesday, 7 July.
After 120 tense minutes failed to separate the two sides, Switzerland held their nerve from the penalty spot. Defender Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar before goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Cucho Hernández, allowing Ruben Vargas to calmly convert the winning penalty and send the Swiss into the last eight.
The victory sends Murat Yakin’s men into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, when Switzerland hosted the tournament — ending a 72-year wait among the world’s top eight teams.
Switzerland were dealt a major blow before kick-off after breakout star Johan Manzambi was ruled out with a knee injury. Despite his absence, the Swiss produced a disciplined defensive display against a Colombian side that enjoyed more possession but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
Colombia’s best opportunity in normal time came when Gustavo Puerta unleashed a curling effort from outside the box, only for Kobel to produce a brilliant save. Luis Suárez also wasted a good chance in the second half, dragging his shot wide.
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Switzerland threatened through Fabian Rieder before extra time delivered the game’s best chances. Jhon Lucumí headed against the crossbar for Colombia, while substitute Zeki Amdouni forced Camilo Vargas into a fine save. Jaminton Campaz also squandered a golden opportunity as the match headed to penalties.
Kobel emerged as the Swiss hero during the shootout before Vargas sealed a famous victory from the spot.
“I don’t think I’ve fully realised it yet. I thank God for this moment. I wasn’t even sure if I would be able to play. The team worked incredibly hard and fought for more than 120 minutes. It wasn’t easy to play football here today. Now we’ve made history. It simply feels amazing,” said Vargas.
Coach Murat Yakin praised his players for sticking to the game plan.
“It worked out exactly the way we wanted it to. We needed experience and the right mentality. We also made changes that gave us more control and brought on the players we wanted for the penalty shootout. Of course, we also had a bit of luck, and that’s part of football,” he said.
The historic victory sets up a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with defending champions Argentina, who booked their place in the last eight after edging Egypt 3-2. Switzerland will now look to pull off another major upset as they chase a first-ever Fifa World Cup semi-final berth.