Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a thrilling 4-3 shootout win over Colombia on Tuesday, following a scoreless draw. Ruben Vargas converted his penalty, securing the victory for the Swiss team.
The next challenge for Switzerland will be defending champion Argentina, who they face on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Earlier, Argentina achieved a 3-2 triumph over Egypt.
This marks Switzerland’s first return to the quarterfinals since they hosted the tournament in 1954. Their lineup on Tuesday was weakened by the absence of Johan Manzambi, a promising young midfielder who was injured in training. Vargas, another key player, also faced setbacks, leaving training early on Monday but returning to play in stoppage time.
Colombia’s efforts fell short in the shootout as Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar and Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel denied Cucho Hernandez’s attempt. Vargas celebrated his decisive penalty in the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 match at BC Place Vancouver.
Credit: Alex Pantling/FIFA via Getty Images
The match attracted notable figures, including FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and a crowd largely supporting Colombia. The South American team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup but made the quarterfinals in 2014, losing 2-1 to Brazil.
Switzerland consistently reached the round of 16 in the past three World Cups but struggled to advance in the smaller field of 32 teams. This encounter highlighted the contrasting styles: Switzerland’s organized play against Colombia’s aggressive attacks. The Swiss maintained a slight possession edge.
Manzambi, known for his standout performance with three World Cup goals, was missed alongside Luca Jaquez and Michel Aebischer. Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta had an early chance thwarted by a Kobel save. Switzerland’s Fabian Reider and Dan Ndoye tested Camilo Vargas, whose strong goalkeeping kept the game scoreless.
Despite Reider’s precise free kick curling around the wall in the 52nd minute, the goal eluded them. Jhon Lucumi aimed to capitalize in extra time, but his header bounced off the crossbar. Colombia previously defeated Switzerland 2-0 in the 1994 World Cup group stage.