Gregor Kobel stars in shootout as Switzerland reach FIFA World Cup 2026 quarter-finals
Gregor Kobel played a starring role in the penalty shootout as Switzerland qualified for the quarter-finals of a FIFA World Cup for the first time in 72 years, prevailing 4-3 on penalties versus Colombia following a goalless draw.
Switzerland arrived at BC Place, Vancouver, for this round of 16 tie without their top scorer Johan Manzambi, who had suffered a knee injury in training. Rubén Vargas was also forced to start on the bench after scaling back his training due to injury, with Ardon Jashari and Fabian Rieder coming into the starting XI.
For Colombia, former Mainz and Cologne striker Jhon Córdoba was ruled out with a muscle injury sustained against Ghana, meaning Luis Suárez was handed a start up front.
Colombia kicked off and made an early impression, with Jhon Arias forcing a blocked shot inside the box in the third minute. Switzerland gradually took control of possession in the opening exchanges, though neither side created clear-cut chances.
The game's first real moment of quality came midway through the half when Gustavo Puerta curled a shot towards goal, only for Kobel to produce a superb stretched save to his left.
Switzerland responded and Rieder had a shot saved, before Dan Ndoye tested Colombia's goalkeeper from a tight angle. Luis Díaz had a shot blocked, and James Rodríguez set up Suárez for another blocked effort as the break approached. The half ended goalless, with Colombia applying late pressure.
Murat Yakin made one change at the break, bringing on Djibril Sow for Jashari. Switzerland started the second half with greater urgency, and Sow almost made an immediate impact but slipped at the vital moment inside the area to send his shot wide.
As full-time beckoned, Colombia looked more dangerous, but ultimately neither side could find a breakthrough, and the match headed into extra-time.
Colombia were on the front foot at the start of additional half-hour. The best chance coming in the 99th minute when Jhon Lucumí's header from a corner crashed back off the crossbar. Kobel then saved a long-range effort from Campaz, before Switzerland's substitute Zeki Amdouni had a shot saved by Camilo Vargas.
In the second half of extra-time, Campaz had a glorious chance to win it but fired over with only Kobel to beat. Xhaka also curled just over the bar, yet penalties were ultimately required.
Davinson Sánchez's effort that hit the crossbar gave Switzerland the advantage and, while Manuel Akanji fired over, Kobel produced a fantastic stop to deny Cucho Hernández. In the end, ex-Augsburg man Vargas stepped up to see his nation through and make history.
