- Swiss Defeat Colombia in Penalty Shootout to Secure Historic Last-Eight Berth at 2026 World Cup
WASHINGTON: Switzerland booked a historic place in the quarterfinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Colombia in a dramatic penalty shootout in their Round of 16 clash in Vancouver.
The hard-fought victory marks Switzerland’s first appearance in the World Cup quarterfinals in 72 years and only the fourth in the nation’s history.
The Swiss last reached the final eight in 1954, having also advanced to the quarterfinals in 1934 and 1938. However, they have never progressed beyond that stage of the tournament.
The achievement also ends a string of disappointments for Switzerland, which had been eliminated in the Round of 16 in each of the previous three FIFA World Cup tournaments.
The victory over Colombia represents one of the country’s most significant achievements on football’s biggest stage and keeps alive Switzerland’s hopes of reaching its first-ever World Cup semifinal.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19. Defending champions Argentina entered the tournament seeking to retain the title they won in 2022.
BY: The Times Union
