NewzVille Desk
Switzerland booked a FIFA World Cup 2026™ quarter-final clash with Argentina after outlasting Colombia in a nerve-shredding penalty shootout in Vancouver. Following a grueling, goalless 120 minutes, Ruben Vargas held his nerve to smash home the decisive spot-kick, sending the Swiss to the last eight for the first time in over seven decades.
The victory was even more remarkable given the pre-match heartbreak for Murat Yakin’s side, who lost breakout tournament star Johan Manzambi to a sudden knee injury. Without their livewire attacker, Switzerland labored through a forgettable first half heavily controlled by Colombia.
The South Americans went closest before the break when Gustavo Puerta unleashed a curling effort from distance, forcing an acrobatic stop from Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
The tension only mounted in the second half. Clear chances remained at a premium, leaving Colombian fans agonizing when Luis Suarez found space inside the box only to slice his effort wastefully wide.
At the other end, Switzerland’s best chance fell to Fabian Rieder, whose stinging left-footed volley was comfortably handled by Camilo Vargas.
The game finally exploded into life during extra time. Colombia’s Jhon Lucumi saw his powerful header rattle the crossbar, Swiss sub Zeki Amdouni forced a sharp save, and Jaminton Campaz miraculously blazed over an open look.
Ultimately, the lottery of penalties beckoned. Colombia blinked first, as Davinson Sanchez rattled the underside of the crossbar and Cucho Hernandez saw his effort smothered by Kobel. That left the stage clear for Ruben Vargas, who coolly slotted home to spark historic Swiss celebrations.
Switzerland captain, Granit Xhaka said: “I think this generation we have now is a special one. Hopefully we’ll see another one like it one day, but we’ve been waiting a long time for a group like this. We, the more experienced players, are being pushed by the younger ones, and at the same time we have to lead by example every single day and every single game. Of course, we try to pass on our experience, but above all the mentality that, even as a small nation, anything is possible at this level, in elite football. From the coaching staff to the last player, we can all be proud of what we’ve achieved. Granit Xhaka, Switzerland captain
Colombia forward player Luis Suarez said: “I think this national team was destined for better things. I simply want to thank the whole country and the people who filled the stadium here. Let’s hope this is a major turning point, because what this team showed at this World Cup has to be viewed from the positive side.”
