One of the biggest upsets of the 2026 FIFA World Cup was produced by Switzerland after defeating Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
Goalkeeper Gregor Kobel emerged the hero to send the Swiss into their first World Cup quarterfinal in 72 years.
The victory at BC Place in Vancouver ended Switzerland’s long-standing penalty shootout misery and booked a blockbuster last-eight clash against defending champions Argentina and Lionel Messi in Kansas City.
Kobel saved Cucho Hernández‘s winning penalty after both teams had earlier missed from the spot, allowing Rubén Vargas to calmly convert the winning kick and spark wild celebrations among the Swiss players and supporters.
Kobel the Hero as Switzerland Finally End Penalty ‘Curse’
After neither side could break the deadlock across 90 minutes and extra time, the match was decided from the penalty spot.
Switzerland appeared to be in trouble after defender Manuel Akanji blasted his penalty high over the crossbar shortly after Colombia’s Davinson Sánchez had struck the underside of the bar.
However, Kobel produced the defining moment of the evening, diving to deny Hernández before Cedric Itten and Vargas converted their penalties after Granit Xhaka and Zeki Amdouni had also scored.
The 4-3 shootout triumph secured Switzerland’s first World Cup penalty shootout victory after losing their only previous one against Ukraine in 2006.
It also ended a miserable run that had seen the Swiss win just one of their previous six penalty shootouts across all competitions.
Yakin Delighted After Switzerland Break Historic Hoodoo
Switzerland head coach, Murat Yakin admitted the victory was emotional after watching his players finally overcome their penalty demons.
“You’re kind of in the flow and don’t quite know what to take in,” Yakin told Swiss broadcaster SRF after the game.”
“It took an incredible fight. Cleverness and patience, too. And then the penalty shootout at the end, we finally broke the curse.”
“I’m incredibly happy for everyone — the players, the staff, and the fans at home.”
“Just unbelievable emotions. The feeling during the decisive penalty is fantastic, indescribable.”
“A huge compliment to Kobel as well; he’s playing a fantastic tournament.”
“Nobody wants to hear my game plan, but that’s exactly how it worked out.”
How Switzerland Shocked Colombia
Although the game lacked clear-cut chances for long periods, Switzerland showed remarkable defensive discipline to frustrate one of the tournament’s strongest attacking sides.
Colombia came closest during regulation time when Jhon Lucumí headed against the crossbar from a corner.
Substitute Jaminton Campaz later forced Kobel into an awkward save with a powerful long-range strike in extra time before wasting the best chance of the match.
After a defensive error by Swiss captain, Granit Xhaka, Campaz found himself with an excellent opportunity late in extra time but curled his effort over the crossbar.
That miss proved costly as Colombia were punished in the shootout.
Colombia Pay the Price for Wastefulness
Colombia entered the knockout stage after topping their group ahead of Portugal before eliminating Ghana in the Round of 32.
They had conceded only one goal throughout the tournament but struggled to find a breakthrough against Switzerland.
Liverpool star Luis Díaz and veteran playmaker James Rodríguez, who became Colombia’s all-time appearance holder with his 131st international cap, tried to create openings but lacked a clinical finisher.
Despite registering 94 shots across the tournament, Colombia finished with just five goals, and their inability to convert chances ultimately ended their World Cup dream.
The defeat also brought back painful memories of their penalty shootout loss to England in the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup.
Akanji Admits Horror Spot-Kick Mistake
Swiss defender Manuel Akanji did not hide his disappointment after blazing his penalty over the bar.
“I told Muri that was the last penalty I’d ever take,” Akanji said.
“It was disastrous. I changed my mind at the last moment.”
“The oldest rule says you shouldn’t change your mind. I went for it, then I slipped a bit and the ball went four meters over the goal.”
“I’m incredibly proud of how the team reacted.”
“We didn’t play that well, especially offensively, we were lacking a lot but we were compact as a team.”
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Injuries Hurt Swiss Attack
Switzerland reached the quarterfinal despite missing one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Johan Manzambi, who has scored three goals and provided two assists at the World Cup, was unavailable through injury, leaving Yakin’s side without one of their biggest attacking threats.
Rubén Vargas, who had also been struggling with fitness after scoring twice earlier in the tournament, started on the bench but made a decisive impact by converting the winning penalty.
The Swiss will now hope both players recover in time for the showdown against Argentina.
Xhaka Eyes Another Giant Upset Against Messi
Captain Granit Xhaka believes Switzerland can dream even bigger after ending their long wait for a World Cup quarterfinal.
“That’s a great reward,” Xhaka said.
“Goal No. 1 has been achieved, but when you’re in the quarterfinals, the hunger is even greater than before.”
“Now comes the big challenge with one of the greatest players.”
Historic Achievement for Switzerland
The victory marked another milestone for Swiss football.
Switzerland have now:
- Reached their first World Cup quarterfinal since 1954.
- Won their first-ever World Cup penalty shootout.
- Reached the quarterfinals in three of their last four major tournaments.
- Won two knockout matches at a single FIFA World Cup for the first time after previously defeating Algeria in the Round of 32.
Quarterfinal Clash Awaits
Switzerland’s reward is a daunting encounter against defending champions Argentina, who completed a remarkable comeback from two goals down to defeat Egypt 3-2.
With Lionel Messi producing another match-winning performance to keep Argentina’s title defence alive, Switzerland now face arguably their toughest challenge yet as they attempt to stop the reigning world champions from reaching another World Cup semifinal.
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