Switzerland has secured a historic spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals after a penalty shootout victory over Colombia at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada. The thrilling Round of 16 finale saw the Swiss emerge victorious with a 4-3 win on penalties, marking their first return to the World Cup quarterfinals in 72 years.
The high-stakes match moved to a penalty shootout after both teams failed to break the deadlock during 90 minutes of regulation time and 30 minutes of extra time. Despite intense back-and-forth action, neither side could find the back of the net, leaving their World Cup fates to be decided from the penalties.
In the tense shootout, Switzerland proved to be more clinical. Granit Xhaka, Zeki Amdouni, Cédric Itten, and Ruben Vargas all successfully converted their penalties to guide Switzerland forward. Manuel Akanji was the only Swiss player to miss his shot.
Colombia’s campaign came to a heartbreaking end as two of their players failed to convert. While Juan Quintero, Jaminton Campaz, and Luis Díaz safely scored their penalties, Davinson Sánchez and Cucho Hernández missed their crucial strikes.
With this win, Switzerland breaks a seven-decade wait, advancing to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since they hosted the tournament back in 1954.
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