Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel dives to save a penalty from Colombia's Cucho Hernandez during a shootout in the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup round of 16 match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday. [AP]
Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel dives to save a penalty from Colombia's Cucho Hernandez during a shootout in the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup round of 16 match in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, on Tuesday. [AP]

Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years, edging Colombia in a grueling match that went to extra time and then a penalty shootout.

The Swiss defeated Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes at Vancouver Stadium in Canada on Tuesday at the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup.

Switzerland's last quarterfinal appearance came at the 1954 World Cup, which the country hosted. The Swiss will now face Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in the last eight.

Neither side managed to score in the first half, with both teams content to probe rather than commit. The second half was equally cautious, with neither team able to seize control.

The match could not be decided in regulation and went to extra time. Colombia took the initiative in the additional period but were repeatedly denied. In the ninth minute of the first half of extra time, a powerful header from John Janer Lucumi following a corner by Juan Fernando Quintero crashed off the crossbar. Two minutes later, Jaminton Campaz's threatening shot aimed at the corner was punched away by goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

Switzerland players celebrate with supporters after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years by defeating Colombia. [EPA]
Switzerland players celebrate with supporters after reaching the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time in 72 years by defeating Colombia. [EPA]

Switzerland also had their chances in extra time. Substitute Zeki Amdouni fired a close-range shot in the 14th minute of the first half of extra time, but Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas flung himself across to keep it out. Several more opportunities arose in the second half of extra time but came to nothing.

The match went to a shootout. Colombia were put on the back foot when their second taker, Davinson Sanchez, struck the post. Switzerland's third taker, Manuel Akanji, then sent his kick high over the bar, leveling the shootout at 3-3.

With the score tied at 3-3, Switzerland's final taker Ruben Vargas calmly slotted the ball into the bottom-left corner, bringing the long contest to a close.


yjc@heraldcorp.com