FIFA World Cup: Switzerland heading to quarterfinals after beating Colombia in penalty shootout at B.C. Place

It took 120 minutes and a penalty shootout, but Switzerland won the final 2026 FIFA World Cup match at B.C. Place Tuesday.

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• A look at the seven World Cup games to be played at Vancouver’s B.C. Place

Rubén Vargas scored the winning penalty kick in the shootout and Gregor Kobel made an important save on Cucho Hernandez’s attempt to give Switzerland a 4-3 victory over Colombia.

It’s Switzerland’s third straight win at B.C. Place. They defeated Canada 2-1 in the final group stage match, then beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 last week.

Canada’s hosting duties at the World Cup are over. The Swiss will now travel to Kansas City to take on Argentina in the quarterfinals on Saturday.

Here’s everything that happened in Tuesday’s match.

3:51 p.m. PT: Switzerland wins

Switzerland has won the penalty shootout 4-3. Rubén Vargas scored the final penalty for the Swiss to set up a quarterfinal date with reigning world champions Argentina.

Juan Quintero took the first penalty for Colombia and scored, and Swiss captain Granit Xhaka equalized with his nation’s first kick.

Colombia fell behind in the shootout when Davinson Sanchez hit the crossbar with his nation’s second kick.

Zeki Amdouni gave Switzerland a 2-1 advantage and Jaminton Campaz equalized the shootout at 2-2 with Colombia’s third kick.

Manuel Akanji surrendered Switzerland’s advantage by skying his shot, only to have goalkeeper Gregor Kobel put the Swiss back on top by saving Cucho Hernandez’s penalty.

Cedric Itten scored for Switzerland and Luis Diaz for Colombia, leaving the shootout tied at three when Vargas stepped up to take the final kick.

Colombia goalkeeper Camilo Vargas dove the wrong way and the Swiss shooter calmly slotted the ball into the lower left corner of the net.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

3:35 p.m. PT: Penalty kicks

B.C. Place’s final match of the 2026 World Cup just doesn’t want to end. After 120 minutes, Colombia and Switzerland remain scoreless.

Swiss captain Granit Xhaka had an open look in the 113th minute, but his shot sailed just over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Xhaka mishit a clearance in his own half and Jaminton Campaz pounced on the loose ball. His shot was also too high, and the match remained tied.

Now, the teams will trade penalty kicks to determine the winner.

The shootout is a best-of-five competition. Each team will name five players to take turns shooting from the penalty spot. If an equal number of shooters are successful after five rounds, additional takers will step up for sudden-death rounds.

The shootout can also end before five rounds are complete if one team is mathematically incapable of catching up to the other.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

3:16 p.m. PT: Halftime of extra time

The first 15 minutes of extra time are in the books, and the match is still scoreless. Colombia took five shots during the first extra time period, with Jhon Lucumí coming closest to scoring.

The defender hit the crossbar in the 99th minute, but the deadlock remains. Fifteen minutes left before penalty kicks.

At the other end of the pitch, Zeki Amdouni forced a save from Colombia’s goalkeeper in the 104th minute, but the linesman’s flag went up for offside.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

2:55 p.m. PT: End of regulation

The final whistle has blown. We’ll play 30 more minutes. If the score is still tied after that time, it’ll be penalty kicks to decide who goes on to face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the quarterfinals.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

2:45 p.m. PT: First 0-0 of the knockouts?

While both teams continue to seek a winning goal, time is running out for them to do so.

Five minutes plus stoppage time are left in the match. If it remains scoreless, we’ll have 30 minutes of extra time, then, potentially, penalties.

There have been three matches decided by penalty kicks so far this tournament, but none of them in the Round of 16 and none of them after scoreless draws.

After 23 goals in the six previous matches Vancouver has hosted, Swiss and Colombian fans will be praying for just one more.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

2:27 p.m. PT: Second hydration break

It’s the second half hydration break and the match remains scoreless.

Colombia enjoyed a spell of sustained pressure ahead of the break, but—as in the first half—had trouble creating genuine scoring opportunities.

There’s a little more than 20 minutes plus stoppage time left for one of these teams to get a goal and avoid extra time.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

2:03 p.m. PT: Second half begins

The second half is underway at B.C. Place. Will either team find a winning goal in the second 45 minutes? Or are we headed for extra time and possible penalties in Canada’s World Cup finale?

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

1:50 p.m. PT: Scoreless at halftime

Switzerland and Colombia are scoreless at halftime after a back-and-forth opening 45 minutes.

Fabian Rieder had a good chance for Switzerland in the 29th minute, running onto a loose ball in the Colombia box and blasting a shot on goal that goalkeeper Camilo Vargas saved.

Colombia put pressure on the Switzerland goal near the end of the half, but couldn’t generate a clean look at goal.

As with last week’s Round of 32 match, today’s game must have a winner. If the match is tied after 90 minutes, an additional 30 minutes of extra time will be played. If the teams are still even after that time, a penalty kick shootout will be held.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

1:23 p.m. PT: Hydration break

The referee has blown the whistle for the first-half hydration break.

The match has been played at a sometimes frantic pace so far, with both teams looking to break quickly on counterattacks.

So far, neither team has managed to find a breakthrough. Gustavo Puerta had the best chance for either side so far. The Columbian’s 21st-minute strike was curling toward the top corner, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel made the save.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

1 p.m. PT: Kickoff

We’re underway in Vancouver’s final match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The winner of this match will join seven other nations in the quarterfinals in the United States.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

12:55 p.m. PT: Anthems underway

The teams are on the pitch and the national anthems are underway, starting with Switzerland. Kickoff is just minutes away now.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

12:50 p.m. PT: FIFA Fan Festival filling up

The new PNE amphitheatre is starting to fill up 10 minutes ahead of kickoff between Colombia and Switzerland, and Colombian colours are definitely in the majority here.

There are believed to be as many as 25,000 fans travelling to watch the team. After the Aussies arguably set the standard for visiting nations partying loud and proud downtown after their match, Colombia may best them tonight depending what happens at B.C. Place.

As for locals on this final day of World Cup competition in Vancouver, one man just told us he’ll be sad to see the party end. He also wishes he’d taken more time off work to enjoy the games and the local vibe.

A security officer here at the PNE told us afternoon games have been better attended than those in the morning because many people are putting in a few hours at work then taking the rest of the day off.

With the tournament now entering the quarterfinals, that excuse to play hooky will sadly end soon!

Andrew Johnson, CTV National News

12:35 p.m. PT: Colombia makes history

When today’s match kicks off, Colombia will become the first—and only—nation to play in all three host countries during this World Cup.

Los Cafeteros started their tournament in Mexico with Group Stage matches against Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The team then faced Portugal in Miami in its final group stage match, before defeating Ghana in Kansas City in the Round of 32.

Now, Colombia’s journey takes it north of the border for Vancouver’s—and Canada’s—final match of the tournament.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

12:05 p.m. PT: Under an hour to kickoff

The finale of Vancouver’s hosting duties for the 2026 World Cup gets underway in less than an hour at B.C. Place.

The knockout rounds have brought some dramatic results so far, though Switzerland’s 2-0 win over Algeria in Vancouver last was not one of the tournament’s most exciting matches.

A repeat of that performance would suit Switzerland just fine, of course, but neutrals will be hoping for drama like we saw in today’s first match between Argentina and Egypt.

Here’s the Swiss lineup:

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

11:50 a.m. PT: Colombia lineup

Colombia has announced its starting 11 for today’s match. Captain and World Cup legend James Rodriguez is the latest global star to make an appearance at B.C. Place during this tournament.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

11:05 a.m. PT: Argentina survives

In the first match of the day, Argentina has completed an extraordinary comeback against Egypt in Atlanta.

The defending champions trailed 2-0 in the 79th minute when Christian Romero scored to cut the deficit before Lionel Messi tied the match just four minutes later.

Enzo Fernandez scored the winner for Argentina in the third minute of stoppage time to complete the comeback, setting off wild celebrations and bringing Messi to tears as the final whistle blew.

The winner of today’s match in Vancouver will face Argentina in the quarterfinals in Kansas City on Saturday.

Ian Holliday, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

10:15 a.m. PT: Colombia fans on the move

A procession of Colombia fans wave banners and chant as they begin their procession from Jonathan Rogers Park towards B.C. Place stadium before kickoff.

Colombia, listed at No. 11 in FIFA’s current rankings, is chasing its first World Cup quarterfinal since 2014.

Todd Coyne, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

9:45 a.m. PT: Mayor gives Vancouver ‘A+’

Looking back at the tournament, Mayor Ken Sim gives the city an “A+” on its hosting abilities.

“It’s been an incredible ride. It’s a little bittersweet, you know. It’s been so exciting that this happened in our great city, and it’s sad today’s the last game here,” he told CTV Your Morning Vancouver.

He says his glowing grade comes from the work of volunteers, first responders, the Downtown Van BIA, hotels, restaurants, and of course the residents who have come out to party.

“They have shown the world that Vancouver is an incredible city, it’s super friendly, super hospitable, and I am so proud of our community that has made Vancouver the best city to host.”

Kaija Jussinoja, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

8:25 a.m. PT: World Cup poll results

Most Metro Vancouver residents are satisfied with how all three levels of government promoted the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a new Research Co. poll released Tuesday.

The survey found 61 per cent of respondents approve of the federal government’s promotional efforts for the tournament, followed by 59 per cent for the City of Vancouver and 53 per cent for the provincial government.

Similarly, 79 per cent of respondents said they believe hosting the World Cup will have a positive impact on Canada, while 72 per cent expect said it would benefit the city and the province.

By comparison, fewer than 70 per cent of Metro Vancouver residents polled in February 2010 expected similar results from the Winter Olympics, according to the polling firm.

Majorities of respondents (80 per cent) also said hosting the World Cup tournament will help make Vancouver and B.C. more attractive to tourists, while 69 per cent said it would encourage economic development and 54 per cent said it would create long-term jobs.

One-in-five Metro Vancouver residents (20 per cent) reported attending a “FIFA Fan Festival” or “fan zone” during the tournament, while fewer (11 per cent) said they bought merchandise or apparel with the Team Canada logo.

Just nine per cent reported hosting a watch party at home during a Canadian game, while six per cent said they hosted a watch party for a match that did not feature Canada.

Todd Coyne, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

8 a.m. PT: Fan marches planned

Colombia fans will be marching to B.C. Place from Jonathan Rogers Park at 9:45 a.m. ahead of the 1 p.m. kickoff.

Switzerland fans have made Vancouver their de facto home base as a result of their team’s three consecutive matches at B.C. Place, and they’ll be marching from the Blarney Stone Pub at 11 a.m.

Tuesday’s match comes less than four weeks since Vancouver got its first taste of the world’s biggest sporting event, when Australia fans swamped the downtown core for a match against Türkiye.

Since then, the city has been swept up in World Cup euphoria, with Canada fans staging two huge marches to the stadium and crowds flooding Granville Street on game days.

The Canadian Press

7:30 a.m. PT: Road closures around stadium

There will be game-day road closures in effect around B.C. Place stadium as Colombia prepares to take on Switzerland at 1 p.m.

The stretch of Granville Street between Davie and Georgia streets, which has been transformed into a pedestrian zone for the entirety of the tournament, also remains closed to vehicle traffic.

Transit provider TransLink has implemented service changes to help people get around the city’s downtown during the tournament.

Todd Coyne, CTVNewsVancouver.ca

7 a.m. PT: Players leave training early

Several players on Switzerland’s World Cup team cut training short on Monday, leaving their coach uneasy about Tuesday’s round 16 match against Colombia.

Those players include midfielders Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow and the team’s World Cup breakout star Johan Manzambi.

“If they might not play tomorrow, it can be a huge issue for us,” coach Murat Yakin said in an interview with Associated Press.

Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebisischer did not train and may not play, according to the team.

“Everybody wants to play. We have so many different options,” Yakin said. “If something happens it’s not going to be a disaster.”

A win for the Swiss on Tuesday would send them to the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954.

The Associated Press