All quarterfinalists for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been determined. Switzerland became the eighth team to reach the quarterfinals, defeating Colombia 4-3 in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular and extra time. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing Kursiv Media.

Penalty shootout: Quintero 0:1, Xhaka 1:1, Sánchez (crossbar), Amdouni 2:1, Campaz 2:2, Akanji (over), Hernández (saved), Itten 3:2, Díaz 3:3, Vargas 4:3.

After the dramatic 3-2 victory of Argentina over Egypt that opened the matchday, any game would have seemed dull. It was clear that a sparkling attacking display was unlikely in a match between two evenly matched teams, Switzerland and Colombia. And so it happened. Neutral spectators at the stadium in Vancouver began whistling in displeasure as early as the middle of the first half.

In the entire first half, the teams managed only two sharp chances. In the 21st minute, Dortmund's Gregor Kobel made a fine save to deny Gustavo Puerto of Spanish Racing, who aimed for the top corner. Ten minutes later, Colombia's goalkeeper Camilo Vargas of Mexican Atlas blocked a dangerous shot from Augsburg's Fabian Rieder.

It cannot be said that the players did not try, but the disciplined, tight defense outperformed the not-so-prolific attack. In the second half, the game picked up somewhat. Salvadoran referee Iván Barton had reasons to show yellow cards. However, sharp chances remained rare. The match predictably went into extra time, where both teams missed opportunities to score a winning goal.

As expected, everything was decided in the penalty shootout. The Swiss were luckier in the lottery. The winning penalty was scored by Ruben Vargas of Sevilla, namesake of the Colombian goalkeeper. Now Murat Yakin's side will face Argentina on July 12 in Kansas City for a place in the semifinals.

Quarterfinal pairings: Norway vs England, Argentina vs Switzerland.

The 23rd FIFA World Cup started on June 11. The global football forum is being held for the first time in three countries – the USA, Canada, and Mexico – and for the first time features 48 teams.

After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advanced. After two knockout rounds, eight teams remain in contention for the main trophy.

The 2026 World Cup will conclude on the night of July 19-20 with the final match in New York.