World Cup 2026 Soccer Ruben Vargas sends Switzerland to first World Cup quarterfinals since 1954 in shootout win over Colombia By Associated Press Published July 7, 2026, 8:43 p.m. ET See more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The New York Post on Google VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Ruben Vargas converted his penalty and Switzerland advanced to the World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw on Tuesday.
Switzerland will next face defending champion Argentina on Saturday at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. Argentina defeated Egypt 3-2 earlier in the day.
Switzerland had not reached the quarterfinals of a World Cup since hosting the tournament in 1954. And the Swiss were shorthanded Tuesday without young midfielder Johan Manzambi, who was injured in training on Monday.
Ruben Vargas (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the game-winning score on a penalty kick in a 4-3 shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw in their World Cup Round of 16 match on July 7, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. Timothy Matwey/The Canadian Press via AP Vargas, who has scored two goals in the World Cup, also left Monday’s training early but was available off the bench and came on in stoppage time at the end of regulation.
Colombia defender Davinson Sanchez’s penalty attempt hit the crossbar and Switzerland goalkeeper Gregor Kobel saved an attempt by Cucho Hernandez.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino was among those at BC Place, where the sellout crowd was overwhelmingly clad in yellow in support of Colombia.
Colombia failed to qualify for the last World Cup in 2022.
Ruben Vargas scores the game-winning score on a penalty kick in a 4-3 shootout win over Colombia after a scoreless draw in their World Cup Round of 16 match on July 7, 2026 in Vancouver, British Columbia. AP The team made the quarterfinals at the 2014 tournament in Brazil, defeating Uruguay in the round of 16 before losing to the host country 2-1.
The Swiss reached the round of 16 at the past three World Cups but failed to advance with a smaller field of 32 teams.
The match was tightly contested by two teams with contrasting styles, the Swiss with a more organized approach and Colombia more attack oriented. Switzerland had a slight edge in possession.
Built for match days and everyday wear, this officially licensed USMNT tee brings classic national pride wherever you go.
Rep your favorite player in classic navy with this officially licensed tee made for diehard fans and big match energy.
Stay warm while repping the red, white, and blue in this officially licensed USMNT pullover hoodie featuring bold front and back crest graphics.
Celebrate the global game in style with this FIFA World Cup 26 tee featuring all three host countries’ logos and flags.
Rip into the excitement of World Cup season with this 2026 Panini sticker box packed with 25 packs of collectible stickers for fans and traders.
Bring World Cup vibes to every kickaround with the official adidas FIFA World Cup ’26 Soccer Ball built with host nation style and game-ready feel.
Manzambi, a 20-year-old midfielder who plays for German club Freiburg, had three goals in the World Cup and was one of the tournament’s breakout stars. The Swiss were also without Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer.
Gustavo Puerta had the first good chance for Colombia with a shot from distance in the 21st minute that was pushed away by Kobel.
The Swiss got one of their best opportunities in the 30th with Fabian Reider’s blast at Camilo Vargas, who punched the ball down. Minutes later, Vargas smothered another attempt from Dan Ndoye.
Every match of the FIFA World Cup will air on either FOX or FOX Sports 1. If you don’t have cable, you can take advantage of a DIRECTV free trial to stream it all.
Prefer to check out the action live and in person? Shop World Cup 2026 tickets on SeatGeek and make sure to use promo code NYPOST10 for $10 off purchases over $250 at checkout if you’re a first-time SeatGeek user.
The Swiss had a free kick in the 52nd minute, but Reider’s attempt curled around the wall and went into the side netting.
In the first extra time period, Jhon Lucumi’s header hit the cross bar and caromed away as Colombia put pressure on Kobel.
Colombia and Switzerland also met in the group stage at the 1994 World Cup in the United States, with South American team winning 2-0.
