Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach World Cup quarterfinals

Vancouver played host to a tense World Cup round-of-16 clash between Switzerland and Colombia on July 7, 2026, and after 120 goalless minutes, the Swiss emerged victorious 4–3 in a penalty shootout. Colombia controlled much of the play under Nestor Lorenzo’s guidance, creating the clearer chances, but Gregor Kobel stood firm in the Swiss goal. Despite the attacking efforts of Luis Díaz, James Rodríguez, and Luis Suárez, Colombia couldn’t break through a disciplined Swiss defense led by Manuel Akanji and Ricardo Rodríguez. At the other end, Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye threatened but lacked precision. With the score still deadlocked after extra time, the match went to spot-kicks. Switzerland converted all four of their attempts — Yann Sommer’s successor? No, it was Kobel who was the hero — while Colombia saw one effort saved. It was a sweet moment of redemption for Switzerland, who had lost to Ukraine on penalties in the 2006 World Cup round of 16. Lineups: Switzerland: Kobel — Zakaria (Widmer, 87), Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez — Freuler, Xhaka — Rieder (Amdouni, 103), Jashari (Sow, 46), Ndoye (Vargas, 90+2) — Embolo (Itten, 87). Colombia: C. Vargas — D. Muñoz, D. Sánchez, Lucumí (Mina, 119), Mojica — Puerta, Lerma (Ríos, 82), J. Arias (Campaz, 66) — J. Rodríguez (Quintero, 66), L. Suárez (C. Hernández, 82), L. Díaz. Bookings: Xhaka, Zakaria, Muheim — L. Suárez, Sánchez.