Switzerland’s journey to the quarterfinals was a dramatic one, marked by moments of near-scoring and a decisive penalty shootout. After a 0-0 draw in extra time against Colombia in the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup held at BC Place Vancouver Stadium in Canada, Switzerland advanced to the next stage for the first time in 72 years since hosting the tournament in 1954.
The match was a tightly contested battle between two strong teams. In the 21st minute of the first half, Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta (Racing Santander) had a chance to break the deadlock. He attempted a shot from the penalty box that looked destined for the top corner but was saved by the goalkeeper.
Switzerland responded with their own opportunity in the 30th minute. Fabian Rieder (Augsburg) broke into the penalty box and fired a shot that was caught by the goalkeeper. Shortly after, Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest) also tried a low, fast shot from the same position, but it was easily gathered by the keeper.
Both teams focused on attacking each other’s flanks, but neither could find the breakthrough. The first half ended without a goal, with both sides unable to capitalize on their chances.
The second half saw a more cautious approach from both teams. Although they managed to deliver the ball into the penalty box, neither side could convert their opportunities due to poor finishing. In added time, Ndoye received a penetrating pass and fired a shot from the right side of the penalty box, which narrowly missed the post. The second half saw only one shot on target from each team.
The game went into extra time, where the pressure mounted. Colombia had a crucial chance in the 9th minute of the first half of extra time. John Lucumi (Bologna) headed a corner kick that struck the post—the closest either team came to scoring. Soon after, Haminton Camps (Rosario Central) took a powerful mid-range shot that was saved by the goalkeeper.
Despite the increased intensity, neither team managed to score in the second half of extra time, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.
The penalty shootout began with both teams’ first kickers finding the back of the net. However, Colombia’s second kicker, Davinson Sanchez (Galatasaray), missed his shot, hitting the post and going wide. Switzerland’s third kicker, Manuel Akanji (Manchester City), then sent his shot soaring over the crossbar, keeping the score at 2-2.
Colombia’s fourth kicker, Cuco Hernandez (Real Betis), had a chance to take the lead. His shot toward the lower-left corner of the goal was perfectly read by the goalkeeper. Switzerland then converted their remaining kicks to win the shootout 4-3.
With this victory, Switzerland has secured a spot in the quarterfinals. The lineup for the next stage now includes six European teams, with one team from Africa and one from South America. The upcoming quarterfinal matches will see Morocco face France, Argentina take on Switzerland, Spain challenge Belgium, and Norway go up against England in a bid to secure a place in the semifinals.
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