Kha Y Tran Switzerland reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after beating Colombia 4-3 on penalties. The match ended 0-0 after 120 minutes. However, the Swiss stayed calm from the spot. As a result, they booked a quarterfinal clash with defending champions Argentina.
The match produced no goals. Even so, it delivered plenty of drama. Colombia created the better chances. Meanwhile, Switzerland defended with great discipline. In the end, penalties decided the winner.
Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZ1Fh5Dnk3U
A Cautious Opening
Both teams entered the match in good form. Therefore, fans expected a close battle.
Switzerland controlled possession early. Then, they moved the ball patiently across the pitch. Meanwhile, Colombia looked dangerous on the counterattack.
Neither side wanted to take many risks. As a result, clear chances were rare. Instead, both defenses stayed organized. Therefore, the first half ended without a goal.
The final match of the Round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup was very tense. (Photo: Reuters)
Defenders Stay Strong
Switzerland defended with confidence. The back line stayed compact. The midfield also worked hard to close passing lanes. Colombia matched that effort. The South American side blocked crosses and limited space inside the box.
Both teams tried shots from distance. However, none seriously troubled the goalkeepers.
The match became more physical before halftime. Consequently, the tempo slowed down. The score stayed at 0-0.
Colombia had clear opportunities to beat Switzerland in extra time but missed them. (Photo: Reuters)
Switzerland Push Forward
Switzerland started the second half well. They pressed higher up the pitch. They also delivered more crosses into the area. However, Colombia handled the pressure. The defense remained solid throughout the half.
Soon, Colombia enjoyed more possession. They attacked with greater confidence. Even so, Switzerland refused to give away clear chances.
Neither side found the breakthrough. Therefore, the match moved into extra time.
Rieder’s free-kick. (Photo: Reuters)
Colombia Miss Their Best Chances
Extra time produced the biggest moments. First, Jhon Lucumí met a cross with a powerful header. However, the ball struck the crossbar. Soon after, Carlos Campaz raced through on goal. Only the goalkeeper stood in front of him. However, he failed to score.
Those missed chances proved decisive. Meanwhile, Switzerland focused on defending. They stayed calm under pressure. They rarely attacked. Even so, they held on until penalties.
The crossbar came to goalkeeper Kobel’s rescue, saving Switzerland from conceding a goal. (Photo: Reuters)
Switzerland Stay Calm
The shootout tested both teams. Switzerland scored four penalties. Manuel Akanji was the only Swiss player to miss.
Colombia missed twice. Davinson Sánchez failed to score. Yerson Hernández also missed. That gave Switzerland the edge.
Rubin Vargas took the final penalty. He scored with confidence. His goal sealed a 4-3 victory. The Swiss players celebrated. Meanwhile, Colombia’s World Cup journey came to an end.
Vargas successfully converted the decisive penalty kick, helping Switzerland win 4-3 against Colombia in the penalty shootout. (Photo: Reuters)
Discipline Wins the Match
Switzerland built their victory on strong defending. The defenders stayed compact all game. They gave Colombia very little space. In addition, the midfield protected the back four.
Switzerland created fewer chances. However, they remained patient. They never lost their shape. That discipline carried them through 120 minutes. Finally, their composure in the shootout completed the job.
Colombia Fall Short
Colombia will regret the missed chances. Lucumí hit the crossbar. Campaz also wasted a clear chance. Those moments changed the match.
Despite the defeat, Colombia impressed throughout the tournament. The team defended well. They also competed with confidence in every match.
However, knockout football is often decided by fine margins. This time, Colombia came up short.
Argentina Await
Switzerland now move into the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Next, they will meet Argentina. The defending champions enter as favorites. However, Switzerland have already shown they can frustrate top teams.
The Swiss defense will face its biggest test yet. Even so, they have every reason to believe. Fans can expect another exciting knockout battle.
Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup to face Argentina. (Photo: Reuters)
Match Summary
Switzerland earned a memorable victory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. The match finished 0-0 after 120 minutes. Colombia created the better chances. However, they failed to score. Switzerland defended brilliantly from start to finish. They also stayed calm during the shootout.
Rubin Vargas converted the winning penalty. Therefore, Switzerland won 4-3 on penalties. They will now face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
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Colombia Edge DR Congo 1-0, Advance at World Cup
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