Switzerland reach FIFA WC quarterfinals for first time since 1954, beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties
Synopsis
Switzerland have ended a 71-year quarterfinal drought at the FIFA World Cup, edging Colombia 4-3 on penalties in Vancouver after a goalless draw. Ruben Vargas scored the winning kick — a moment that caps the Swiss team's most significant tournament run since 1954. They now face Argentina in the last eight.
Key Takeaways
Switzerland defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in Vancouver on 8 July .
It is Switzerland's first FIFA World Cup quarterfinal appearance since 1954 — a gap of 71 years .
Ruben Vargas scored the decisive penalty; Gregor Kobel saved Colombia's effort from Hernandez .
Switzerland were without key attacker Johan Manzambi , ruled out before the match with a knee injury .
Switzerland will face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.
Switzerland have booked their place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals for the first time in 71 years, defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a hard-fought goalless draw in Vancouver on 8 July. Ruben Vargas slotted home the decisive kick to end Switzerland's seven-decade wait for a last-eight appearance at the World Cup.
Key Developments
The Swiss were dealt a significant pre-match setback when Johan Manzambi, their standout performer of the tournament, was ruled out with a knee injury. His absence was keenly felt in a first half that Colombia largely controlled, though without carving out clear-cut chances. The best effort of the opening period came from Gustavo Puerta, whose curling effort from outside the box drew an acrobatic save from Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
How the Match Unfolded
The second half offered little improvement in quality. Luis Suarez spurned Colombia's best opportunity, slicing wastefully wide from a promising position midway through the half. At the other end, Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas was called into action only once in normal time, keeping out a left-foot volley from Swiss winger Fabian Rieder.
Extra time raised the tempo. Jhon Lucumi rattled the crossbar with a header for Colombia, while Swiss substitute Zeki Amdouni forced a save from Vargas. Jaminton Campaz then blazed over when a goal seemed more likely, leaving the tie to be settled from the spot.
The Penalty Shootout
In the shootout, Colombia's Sanchez struck the underside of the crossbar, and Hernandez was denied by the impressive Kobel. Those two misses proved fatal. Ruben Vargas stepped up last and converted with composure to send Switzerland through 4-3.
'I didn't even know if I would be able to play. I'm just grateful that I could help the team. I felt very confident before the penalty. The fact that I was even able to convert the decisive attempt is just awesome,' Vargas said after the match.
What Comes Next
Switzerland, coached by Murat Yakin, will now face Argentina in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals. It is a formidable test — but for a nation that last reached this stage in 1954, the occasion alone marks a historic shift. The match stands as one of the tournament's most significant upsets in the round of 16.
Point of View
Which speaks to the squad's collective resilience. The real test arrives immediately: Argentina in the quarterfinals is as hard a draw as the tournament offers. Whether this Swiss generation can go further than 1954 will define how this run is remembered.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Switzerland last reach the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals before 2026?
Switzerland last reached the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals in 1954 , making their 2026 run their first last-eight appearance in 71 years .
How did Switzerland beat Colombia at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Switzerland and Colombia played out a goalless draw over 90 minutes and extra time before Switzerland won the penalty shootout 4-3 . Ruben Vargas scored the winning kick, while goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Colombia's effort from Hernandez .
Who will Switzerland face in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals?
Switzerland will face Argentina in the quarterfinals of the FIFA World Cup 2026 .
Why was Johan Manzambi absent for Switzerland against Colombia?
Johan Manzambi , Switzerland's standout attacker in the tournament, was ruled out of the match against Colombia with a knee injury before kick-off.
What did Ruben Vargas say after scoring the winning penalty?
Vargas said: 'I didn't even know if I would be able to play. I'm just grateful that I could help the team. I felt very confident before the penalty. The fact that I was even able to convert the decisive attempt is just awesome.'
