Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach first World Cup quarter-final since 1954

Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties in Vancouver on Tuesday after 120 goalless minutes, reaching the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. Ruben Vargas scored the winning spot-kick to send the Swiss through to face defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on 12 July.

How did Switzerland beat Colombia?

Switzerland beat Colombia in a penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw through normal and extra time. Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved a penalty from Cucho Hernandez, and Davinson Sanchez struck the crossbar for Colombia, before Vargas converted the decisive kick to send Switzerland through.

Why did Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties?

Colombia's Gustavo Puerta forced a fine diving save from Kobel in the 21st minute, the best chance of an otherwise tight first half. Fabian Rieder tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas from a tight angle soon after, but neither side could find a breakthrough.

Dan Ndoye almost won it for Switzerland in the 91st minute, dragging a low shot just wide after a clever run. In extra time, Colombia's Jhon Lucumi rose unmarked from a corner but crashed his header against the crossbar, and the match went to penalties with the scoreline still level.

Speaking after the match, Vargas said he felt grateful for the moment and that the team had given everything over 120 minutes, according to Reuters.

What weakened Switzerland before kickoff?

Switzerland lost 20-year-old forward Johan Manzambi to a knee injury in training before the game. Manzambi had been the breakout star of the tournament, with three goals and two assists, making his absence a significant blow ahead of a must-win match.

Is Colombia out of the World Cup 2026?

Yes, Colombia are out of the World Cup after losing the penalty shootout to Switzerland. They had been bidding to reach the quarter-finals for only the second time in their history, having previously done so at the 2014 tournament in Brazil. Colombia had arrived in Vancouver with one of the tournament's tightest defences, having conceded just once in their earlier matches.

Is Switzerland still in the World Cup 2026?

Yes, Switzerland are still in the World Cup after reaching their fourth quarter-final in history. They had been knocked out at the round of 16 in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022, so Tuesday's win finally ended that run. The result also eased some of the disappointment from Euro 2024, when Switzerland lost 5-3 on penalties to England in the quarter-finals.