Switzerland Defeats Colombia in Penalty Shootout to Reach World Cup Quarter-finals

Kathmandu. In the final match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16, Switzerland has registered a historic victory by defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout.

The final decision was made through a penalty shootout after neither team could score any goals during the regulation 90 minutes and an additional 30 minutes of extra time at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, on Wednesday morning. Switzerland's goalkeeper Gregor Kobel became the hero in the penalty shootout. He gave his team the lead by making an excellent save against Cuco Martina's shot. Davinson Sanchez's shot also failed. Captain Granit Xhaka, Xherdan Shaqiri, and Cedric Itten scored for Switzerland, while Manuel Akanji's shot went wide of the target. Finally, Ruben Vargas converted the decisive penalty to ensure Switzerland's victory.

This victory is very special for Switzerland. Switzerland has managed to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954. Despite a large presence of Colombian supporters in the stadium, which was packed with over 52,000 spectators, Switzerland played a defensive and disciplined game to secure the result in their favor.

Although legendary players like Luis Diaz and Juan Quintero created some opportunities for Colombia, they could not break through Switzerland's defense. Switzerland will now face the reigning champions Argentina in the quarter-finals next Sunday. For Colombia, this defeat has been painful. Despite having a strong hold on the game, luck did not favor them in the penalties. With this victory, the equation for the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals has also been completed.