VANCOUVER: Switzerland and Colombia penalties ended 4-3 in Switzerland’s favour after a 0-0 draw at BC Place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 last 16.
The result sent Switzerland into a quarterfinal against defending champions Argentina in Kansas City on Saturday. Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved Cucho Hernández’s penalty before Ruben Vargas scored the decisive spot-kick.
The match was the final Round of 16 game and the last fixture of the tournament, scheduled outside the United States.
Colombia had won Group K before beating Ghana 1-0 in the previous round, while Switzerland topped Group B and then beat Algeria 2-0.
Kobel made the first major save in the 21st minute when he denied Gustavo Puerta’s curling effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Camilo Vargas responded for Colombia by stopping Fabian Rieder’s shot and later denying Dan Ndoye. The match remained goalless at half-time as both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances.
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Colombia had chances in extra time, with Jhon Lucumí heading against the bar and Jaminton Campaz forcing another Kobel save.
Vargas also denied substitute Zeki Amdouni at the other end before Campaz missed a late chance to win the match. Switzerland last reached the World Cup quarterfinals in 1954, when they hosted the tournament.
