Switzerland has moved on to the World Cup quarterfinals after securing a 4-3 victory in a penalty shootout against Colombia. The match on Tuesday ended in a scoreless draw before the shootout determined the winner.
Ruben Vargas successfully converted his penalty for Switzerland, leading his team into a much-anticipated clash against the defending champions, Argentina. This quarterfinal match is scheduled for Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Earlier that day, Argentina overcame Egypt with a 3-2 win.
Switzerland’s journey to the quarterfinals marks its first advance since hosting the World Cup in 1954. Despite facing challenges due to the absence of their young midfielder Johan Manzambi, the Swiss team displayed remarkable resilience. Manzambi was injured during a training session on Monday and could not participate in Tuesday’s match.
Vargas, who has already scored twice in the tournament, left training early on Monday but was available for the match. He made a crucial contribution by coming off the bench in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
The shootout saw Colombia’s Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar with his attempt, while Switzerland’s goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made a significant save against Cucho Hernandez’s effort.
Ruben Vargas #17 of Switzerland celebrates after scoring the fifth penalty during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia at BC Place Vancouver on July 7, 2026, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
The game attracted a sellout crowd at BC Place, with many attendees showing support for Colombia by wearing yellow. FIFA President Gianni Infantino was also present at the match.
Colombia, having failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022, showed determination in their run. Their last successful attempt in reaching the quarterfinals was during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where they defeated Uruguay before falling to host Brazil 2-1.
The Swiss team had reached the round of 16 in the previous three World Cups but could not advance in those tournaments.
The match presented a contrasting style of play, with the Swiss team opting for organization and control, while Colombia pursued a more aggressive, attack-oriented strategy. Switzerland narrowly led in possession.
Johan Manzambi, a notable player for the Swiss, has been a standout in the tournament. The 20-year-old midfielder, who plays for Freiburg in Germany, scored three goals before his unfortunate injury.
Switzerland also faced additional challenges with the absence of Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer.
Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta attempted an impressive long-distance shot in the 21st minute, prompting a critical save from Kobel. The Swiss responded with a powerful attempt from Fabian Reider in the 30th minute, which was met by a strong save from Camilo Vargas. Soon after, Vargas thwarted another attempt from Dan Ndoye.
In the 52nd minute, Switzerland had a free-kick opportunity, with Reider’s shot curling around the defensive wall, but ultimately landing in the side netting.
During the first extra time period, Jhon Lucumi of Colombia came close with a header attempt that struck the crossbar as they pressed against the Swiss defense.
The Swiss and Colombian teams have a history of encounters, including a group stage match at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, where Colombia achieved a 2-0 win over Switzerland.