Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to reach the quarter - finals
Team
— YesterdayIt took more than 120 minutes to decide the final Round of 16 tie at the World Cup. After a goalless draw, Switzerland booked their place in the quarter-finals with a 4-3 penalty shootout victory over Colombia. Manuel Akanji played the full match, with his miss in the shootout ultimately having no impact on the outcome
The final Round of 16 tie at the 2026 World Cup ended with Switzerland defeating Colombia on penalties after 120 minutes failed to separate the two sides. The result means Switzerland will face Argentina in the quarter-finals. Manuel Akanji started for Yakin's side and played the entire match. The Inter defender took Switzerland's third penalty in the shootout but fired over the bar. Fortunately for the Swiss, his miss proved costly only momentarily: Sanchez struck the crossbar before Kobel denied Hernandez from the spot, sealing Switzerland's place in the last eight.
It was a hard-fought and balanced encounter at BC Place in Vancouver. Switzerland controlled possession and dictated the tempo, while Colombia defended resolutely and fought fiercely in midfield. The first half produced just one real chance, with Kobel tipping Puerta's curling effort around the post. Switzerland continued to control proceedings after the break but struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. The match finally came to life in extra time. First, Lucumí rattled the crossbar with a powerful header before Kobel produced another fine save to keep out Campaz. At the other end, substitute Amdouni was denied by an outstanding stop from Vargas. The final 15 minutes passed without a breakthrough, although Campaz squandered a golden opportunity in the 115th minute after winning possession from Xhaka inside the box. The tie was ultimately decided from the penalty spot. Switzerland converted through Xhaka and Amdouni before Colombia's Sanchez missed after Quintero had scored. Akanji then sent Switzerland's third penalty over the bar, but Kobel responded immediately by saving Hernandez's effort. Itten and Luis Diaz both converted before Ruben Vargas calmly slotted home the decisive penalty, sending Switzerland into the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Akanji and Switzerland are back in action against Argentina in the early hours of Sunday (03:00 CEST). The quarter-final will see Akanji face Lautaro Martinez, with the two Inter players among the final Nerazzurri still competing for World Cup glory.