Switzerland Secures the Final Ticket, Argentina Awaits in the 2026 World Cup Quarter-Finals

Switzerland secured their spot as the final team to advance to the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarter-finals after defeating Colombia via a dramatic penalty shootout with a score of 4-3, early Wednesday WIB. Die Nati will face defending champions Argentina in the quarter-final fixture hosted in Kansas City on Sunday at 08.00 WIB.

This Round of 16 match, held at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada, was fiercely contested from the very first minute. Both Switzerland and Colombia fielded attacking gameplay throughout.

Despite both sides creating multiple dangerous attacking sequences, the score remained goalless heading into the half-time break.

Upon entering the second half, the match tempo slowed slightly. The fixture was marked by physical duels across the midfield line, while clear goalscoring opportunities became increasingly rare.

Switzerland came close to breaking the deadlock during second half stoppage time. However, Dan Ndoye's strike from inside the penalty box in the 91st minute drifted wide of the left post of Colombia's goal.

With the score locked at 0-0 at the end of normal regulation time, the match proceeded to extra time.

Colombia pressed with greater aggression at the start of extra time. In the 99th minute, Jhon Lucumi's header from a corner kick nearly put Los Cafeteros ahead, only for the ball to crash against the crossbar.

Colombia sustained their pressure just two minutes later. Jaminton Campaz found space to shoot before directing the ball towards the bottom right corner of the goal, but Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel pulled off a critical save to keep his net untouched.

Switzerland mounted a response in the 104th minute. Zeki Amdouni received a goalscoring chance inside the penalty area, but his effort was safely secured by Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas.

By the end of extra time, neither side had managed to break the deadlock, forcing the match to be decided via penalty shootout.

Switzerland maintained composure throughout the shootout. Granit Xhaka opened their scoring with a perfectly executed spot kick, followed by Zeki Amdouni. Manuel Akanji missed after sending his effort over the bar, but Cedric Itten and Ruben Vargas converted their penalties with finishes Camilo Vargas could not stop, sealing the win for Switzerland.

On Colombia's side, Juan Fernando Quintero, Jaminton Campaz and Luis Diaz successfully found the net. However, Davinson Sanchez saw his penalty strike the goalpost, while Cucho Hernandez's effort was parried away by Gregor Kobel.

Switzerland closed out the penalty shootout with a 4-3 victory, claiming the final remaining qualification ticket to the 2026 World Cup quarter-finals.

Match Lineups

Switzerland (4-2-3-1): Gregor Kobel; Denis Zakaria, Nico Elvedi, Manuel Akanji, Ricardo Rodriguez; Remo Freuler, Granit Xhaka; Fabian Rieder, Ardon Jashari, Dan Ndoye; Breel Embolo.

Colombia (4-3-3): Camilo Vargas; Johan Mojica, Jhon Lucumi, Davinson Sanchez, Daniel Munoz; Jhon Arias, Jefferson Lerma, Gustavo Puerta; Luis Diaz, Luis Suarez, James Rodriguez.