Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw in their Round of 16 clash.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged as the hero, producing a crucial save from Cucho Hernández during the shootout to send the Swiss into the last eight.
The penalty drama began after both teams missed from the spot. Colombia defender Davinson Sánchez struck the underside of the crossbar, while Switzerland’s Manuel Akanji fired his effort over the bar.
Kobel then made a decisive save to deny Hernández before Cédric Itten and Ruben Vargas converted their penalties to seal victory after Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni had also found the net.
The match itself offered few clear-cut chances, with both sides struggling to break the deadlock over 120 minutes.
Colombia came closest during normal time when Jhon Lucumà headed against the crossbar from a corner, while Jaminton Campaz forced Kobel into an awkward save with a long-range effort in extra time.
At the other end, substitute Zeki Amdouni tested Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas shortly after coming off the bench.
Colombia had a golden opportunity to snatch victory late in extra time, but Campaz curled his effort over the bar after a defensive mistake by Xhaka.
The miss proved costly as Switzerland held their nerve in the shootout to secure a historic victory.
The result sends Switzerland into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, where they will face defending champions Argentina.
