Switzerland reach first quarter-final in 70 years on penalties
Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw at BC Place to reach their first World Cup quarter-final since hosting in 1954. Murat Yakin's side held their nerve in the shootout to extend an unbeaten run, as Colombia dominated spells but could not convert.
How it unfolded: a stalemate settled from the spot
The tie was tight across 120 minutes, two organised defences on top. Colombia enjoyed possession but were frustrated. In the shootout Switzerland were cooler: Ruben Vargas buried the winner and Itten scored, and though Luis Diaz converted for Colombia, a decisive miss sent them out 4-3.
Context: history and regret
A landmark for Switzerland — a first last-eight since 1954, Xhaka marshalling, Vargas and Manzambi heroes. For Colombia, a bitter lesson in taking chances after dominating.
The next step: Switzerland meet Argentina
Switzerland advance to a quarter-final with holders Argentina. With the tie goalless after 120 minutes, our forecast of Switzerland to avoid defeat landed, the Swiss winning on penalties.
What we predicted before the match
🌍 FIFA World Cup · World
Switzerland – Colombia Prediction and Betting Tips
Switzerland
WWWDD
vs
13:00
07 Jul · Tue
Colombia
WDWWW
Kick-off: 13:00 local (7 Jul) · 20:00 UTCVenue: BC PlaceReferee: I. Barton
Top forecast + 3 supporting tips
4 picks Top Pick
1XSwitzerland or draw60% confidence
1.63odds
Switzerland's unbeaten run and organisation give them a narrow edge, needing only to avoid a 90-minute defeat to reach extra time; the double chance is the measured play in a tight tie.
Back this tip
Total:Under: 2.556%
Under 2.5 goals
1.66 odds
Win 150%
Switzerland to win
3.47 odds
Total Team 2 Under: 1.554%
Colombia under 1.5 goals
1.53 odds
Switzerland host Colombia at BC Place in Vancouver in a Round of 16 tie between two disciplined sides. Switzerland, under Murat Yakin, arrive unbeaten in nine after easing past Algeria. Colombia, under Nestor Lorenzo, come through with a controlled win over Ghana, dangerous on the counter. It promises a tight, tactical contest, with fine margins likely to decide it. Our forecast favours Switzerland to avoid defeat, with a draw heading to extra time.
Switzerland — recent matches
03 Jul 2026Algeria2 — 0W
24 Jun 2026Canada2 — 1W
18 Jun 2026Bosnia & Herzegovina4 — 1W
13 Jun 2026Qatar1 — 1D
06 Jun 2026Australia1 — 1D
Colombia — recent matches
04 Jul 2026Ghana1 — 0W
27 Jun 2026Portugal0 — 0D
24 Jun 2026Congo DR1 — 0W
18 Jun 2026Uzbekistan3 — 1W
07 Jun 2026Jordan2 — 0W
Squad Availability
✚ Injured ·■ Suspended
Switzerland
✚L. Jaquez
✚M. Aebischer
Colombia
✚J. Córdoba
Key Players
Switzerland
Granit XhakaCMLeverkusen · 130+ caps · 14 G · Captain
Manuel AkanjiCBMan City · 70+ caps
Breel EmboloSTMonaco · 75+ caps · 14 G
Yann SommerGKInter · 90+ caps
Colombia
James RodríguezAMClub León · 110+ caps · 30 G · Captain
Luis DíazLWLiverpool · 50+ caps · 14 G
Jhon DuránSTAl-Nassr · 15+ caps
Daniel MuñozRBCrystal Palace · 40+ caps
Injuries
Switzerland
None reported
Colombia
None reported
Venue · Context
Stadium: BC Place
Capacity: 54,500
BC Place's retractable roof and temperate Vancouver climate make for comfortable, predictable conditions with no heat or rain interference.
Weather: Mild, ~18–22°C; roof shelters from any rain.
Switzerland
0–0
Colombia
