Switzerland eliminated Colombia on penalties to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup 2026 World Cup

Davinson Sánchez looked to heaven. Cucho Hernández turned back to his teammates. And finally, the entire Colombian team was on the grass as Switzerland danced, almost alone in a sea of ​​yellow. Switzerland prevailed on penalties, 4-3, creating an emotional end to more than two hours of intense, tense, and surprisingly goalless football in the World Cup Last 16.

Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954, when that stage was the first in the knockout round of the 16-team tournament hosted by Switzerland. They will face a tall task to better that result, facing Lionel Messi and Argentina in Kansas City in four days’ time.

More a game of chess than a game of soccer, Colombia and Switzerland searched and played to a draw for more than 120 minutes, each looking for an unexpected breakthrough. The property remained the same. Midfields take turns controlling the process, but only for minutes at a time. Sometimes those midfield spots were cut out entirely as long balls were sold to test talented defenders. The event had no fireworks, but there was plenty of drama at the end.

The game could have benefited from the absence of Swiss star Johan Manzambi, the leading goalscorer who injured his knee in training and is not on the team sheet. Colombia continued to attack through James Rodríguez.

BC Place’s separate roof remained closed on a warm and sunny day in British Columbia, with the air conditioning system seemingly overpowered. Strong humidity filled the air at the final game in this area and across Canada, closing the country’s participation in the tournament.

Circumstances did nothing to dampen the tumultuous crowd, and there was no question as to which side they would take here. Most of the sellout crowd of 52,497 were wearing some form of bright yellow Colombia, chanting throughout and booing whenever their side was off the mark. Barranquilla wasn’t, but it was as close as you’ll get this far north.

It was Colombia’s attack that began to bear fruit in the 21st minute. Rodríguez’s first touch in the middle of the pitch was far and wide, leading to a winner for Jefferson Lerma. The Crystal Palace man pushed the ball forward, eventually finding its way to Gustavo Puerta on the edge of the box. Puerta’s curling effort appeared headed for the top corner, but Gregor Kobel’s flying save denied him.

Switzerland had an amazing chance nine minutes later. Daniel Muñoz’s attempt to get out of his penalty area was blocked by Dan Ndoye, and he ended up falling to Fabian Rieder running at the goal. The striker’s effort required a save from Camilo Vargas, who had to flick the same to the left to deny Ndoye minutes later.

Switzerland brought on Djibril Sow at the break for Ardon Jashari, and the substitute made an almost immediate impact, firing past Ndoye over the bar minutes into the second half.

Colombia let go of another big chance in the 63rd minute, as the ball came out from the back left and Xhaka was blocked, his pocket was taken by Luis Suárez. With a clear look at the goal, the striker made his shot worse as it went up and harmlessly wide. The crowd roared, first in frustration, then in encouragement. These were signs of life that were much needed.

Colombia got a little stronger in attack by subbing Rodríguez for Juan Quintero in the 66th minute. The 34-year-old suspect received congratulations as he left. Although there was more pressure to close the 90 minutes, Colombia’s struggles continued in front of goal. By using balls it was an inch or two. Legs and limbs are missing. The breakup of the team was beaten by a strong Swiss defense. It was extra time, and that’s when Colombia took over.

Los Cafeteros they were denied a penalty in the 93rd minute, Jaminton Campaz who entered his place tripped Miro Muheim after touching the box. Five minutes later, a moment of agony for Colombia, as Jhon Lucumí’s ball from Quintero’s pointed corner rattled the crossbar. Soon after, a long-distance claim from Campaz required a smart save from Kobel.

The Swiss responded with their own in a heartbeat, with Zeki Amdouni, moments earlier, pouncing on a loose ball in the box and forcing a quality save from Vargas, low and to the left.

Soon, one was forced to consider the possibility of a hex placed on the Swiss goalmouth, as a wide-open Campaz fired over the bar from 10 yards in the 116th minute. Unfortunately for Colombia, the hex remained active.