Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties, following a goalless draw in regular and extra time. The match was played on Tuesday evening at BC Place in Vancouver, Canada, as part of the Round of 16.

The Swiss side set up a quarter-final clash with Argentina, who qualified earlier after an exciting 3-2 victory over Egypt.

Balance and missed chances in regular time

The match witnessed great competitiveness between the two teams, as they exchanged control and created opportunities without either managing to find the back of the net.

Colombia came close to opening the scoring in the 22nd minute when Gustavo Puerta unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, but the Swiss goalkeeper made a brilliant save.

Switzerland responded with the most dangerous chance of the match in the 30th minute when Fabian Rieder broke through on goal, but he failed to beat the Colombian goalkeeper, who made an excellent save to push the ball away.

Juan Arias then threatened the Swiss goal in the 32nd minute with a powerful low shot from inside the area, but the goalkeeper continued his fine form and saved his team from a certain goal.

In the second half, Dan Ndoye missed a golden opportunity for Switzerland in the 48th minute, before a free kick by Fabian Rieder went just wide of the left post in the 54th minute. Ndoye wasted a late chance in stoppage time when his shot went wide of the post.

The crossbar denies Colombia a late goal

The excitement continued in extra time, as Colombia nearly scored in the 100th minute when Lucumi rose to meet a corner kick and headed the ball, hitting the crossbar.

The Swiss goalkeeper shone again in the 102nd minute, saving a powerful shot from Campaz, before the same player squandered the best chance of the match in the 116th minute when he broke through on goal but bizarrely shot wide.

After the goalless draw persisted through regular and extra time, the two teams went to a penalty shootout, which favored the Swiss side 4-3, allowing them to continue their journey in the tournament and secure a spot among the top eight in the 2026 World Cup.