Switzerland’s men’s national football team advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals on Tuesday, marking their first return to the tournament’s final eight in 72 years. The Swiss secured their place after a tense 0:0 draw against Colombia, eventually winning the penalty shootout 4:3 in Vancouver.
How the Swiss Secured Their Quarterfinal Berth
The match remained scoreless through both regulation and extra time, according to match reports. Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel and his Colombian counterpart, Camilo Vargas, maintained clean sheets despite consistent pressure from both sides.
Colombia came closest to breaking the deadlock in the 99th minute. A corner kick from Juan Quintero found Jhon Lucumí, whose header struck the crossbar. Later in extra time, Colombian forward Jaminton Campaz saw a long-range effort saved by Kobel, while a second close-range attempt sailed over the crossbar.
Inside the Penalty Shootout
The penalty shootout ultimately decided the outcome, with Switzerland converting four of their attempts to Colombia’s three. Juan Quintero and Granit Xhaka both scored their opening shots, bringing the tally to 1:1. The momentum shifted when Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez hit the crossbar, allowing Zeki Amduni to give Switzerland a lead.
Manuel Akanji missed his attempt in the third round, but Gregor Kobel neutralized Cucho Hernández’s shot to keep the Swiss in control. Cedric Itten converted his penalty, and after Luis Díaz scored for Colombia, Ruben Vargas hit the decisive final shot to seal the 4:3 victory.
This tournament is the first in World Cup history to feature 48 teams. The competition is hosted across Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with the field divided into 12 groups.
What Lies Ahead in the Quarterfinals
Switzerland will face Argentina in the quarterfinals. Argentina earned their spot by defeating Egypt 3:2 in their previous knockout match. The tournament structure, which advances the top two teams from each group plus the eight best third-place finishers, has set up a series of high-stakes pairings.
Other upcoming quarterfinal matchups include:
- France vs. Morocco
- England vs. Norway
- Spain vs. Belgium
FAQ: Understanding the 2026 Tournament Format
How many teams are in this World Cup?
This is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, a significant expansion from previous formats. The teams are split into 12 groups.
Who is the defending champion?
Argentina enters the current cycle as the defending champion, having won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after a penalty shootout victory over France.
How do teams qualify for the knockout stage?
The two best teams from each of the 12 groups qualify, along with the eight best third-place finishers from across the groups.
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