All quarterfinalists for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been determined. Switzerland became the eighth team to reach the semifinal round, 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.

Match Overview

⚽ SWITZERLAND – COLOMBIA a.e.t. 0:0. Penalties 4:3

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

After the incredibly dramatic and intense match between Argentina and Egypt (3:2) that opened the game day at the 2026 World Cup, any match would have seemed dull. It was clear that a sparkling attacking game was unlikely in a match between evenly matched opponents, Switzerland and Colombia. And so it happened. Neutral spectators at the stadium in Vancouver began whistling in dissatisfaction by 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 beautiful save to parry a shot from Gustavo Puerto of Spanish Racing aimed at the top corner. Ten minutes later, Colombia's goalkeeper and Atlas Mexico's Camilo Vargas blocked a dangerous shot from Augsburg's Fabian Rieder.

It cannot be said that the players did not try, but the competent, tenacious defense clearly outperformed the not-so-prolific attack.

Second Half and Extra Time

In the second half, the game livened up somewhat. At least Salvadoran referee Iván Barton had reasons to show yellow cards. However, sharp chances remained rare. The match predictably went to extra time, where both teams missed a couple of chances to score the winning goal.

Penalty Shootout

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

2026 World Cup Playoff Results

⚽ SOUTH AFRICA – CANADA 0:1, BRAZIL – JAPAN 2:1, GERMANY – PARAGUAY a.e.t. 1:1, pen. 3:4, NETHERLANDS – MOROCCO a.e.t. 1:1, pen. 2:3, IVORY COAST – NORWAY 1:2, FRANCE – SWEDEN 3:0, MEXICO – ECUADOR 2:0, ENGLAND – DR CONGO 2:1, BELGIUM – SENEGAL 3:2, USA – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 2:0, SPAIN – AUSTRIA 3:0, PORTUGAL – CROATIA 2:1, SWITZERLAND – ALGERIA 2:0, AUSTRALIA – EGYPT a.e.t. 1:1, pen. 2:4, ARGENTINA – CAPE VERDE a.e.t. 3:2, COLOMBIA – GHANA 1:0

⚽ CANADA – MOROCCO 0:3, PARAGUAY – FRANCE 0:1, BRAZIL – NORWAY 1:2, MEXICO – ENGLAND 2:3, PORTUGAL – SPAIN 0:1, USA – BELGIUM 1:3, ARGENTINA – EGYPT 3:2, SWITZERLAND – COLOMBIA a.e.t. 0:0, pen. 4:3

⚽ NORWAY – ENGLAND, ARGENTINA – SWITZERLAND

About the Tournament

The 23rd FIFA World Cup final tournament 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 continued the competition. After two knockout rounds, eight teams are vying for the main trophy.

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