Switzerland eliminated Colombia on penalties to reach the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, where they will face Argentina. The Swiss prevailed 4-3 in the shootout after 120 minutes ended goalless.
In a tightly contested match, Colombia controlled possession from the outset. Coached by Argentine Néstor Lorenzo, the Cafeteros pinned Switzerland back for long stretches and looked the more dangerous side, but lacked the finishing touch needed to break the deadlock.
Neither side was able to find a breakthrough in regulation or extra time, sending the match to a penalty shootout.
Colombia’s hopes came undone when Davinson Sánchez struck the crossbar and Juan Camilo Hernández saw his spot kick saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, handing Switzerland a 4-3 victory.
“It’s the price you pay for not scoring,” Lorenzo said after the defeat, noting that Colombia managed 17 shots but failed to beat the Swiss goalkeeper.
The Argentine coach refused to single out any player for blame, saying only that “sometimes the ball goes in, and sometimes it doesn’t.”
Lorenzo added that he had “nothing to reproach” his players for and thanked the Colombian fans who traveled to the World Cup and “embraced the dream that we created.”
Next stage
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin said facing Argentina in the quarterfinals was “a dream,” but stressed his side would not be intimidated.
“We are about to play against the reigning champions. This is a unique opportunity for us, but Argentina is not invincible,” he said.
Argentina and Switzerland will meet on Saturday, July 11, at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City. Kickoff is scheduled for 10 p.m. Argentina time.
Cover image: Schweizer Fussballnationalteams
