A place in the quarter-finals is at stake when Switzerland face Colombia at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday night – a showdown between two teams that has grown as the tournament has progressed.
Switzerland has quietly become one of the tournament’s most stable teams. After a slow start with a 1-1 draw against Qatar, they have found their groove and won three straight games to reach the playoffs. First came a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, then an important 2-1 win over co-host Canada that secured first place in Group B.
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In the way stands a Colombian team that has looked increasingly impressive. Néstor Lorenzo’s men won Group K, before beating Ghana 1-0 in the round of 32. Thus, they are unbeaten in their last six games across all competitions.
Team news
Switzerland are still uncertain about Michel Aebischer and Luca Jaquez, who are both struggling with muscle injuries. If they are not ready, Granit Xhaka and Remo Freuler are expected to continue in midfield, while Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi lead the defence. Johan Manzambi, who has impressed greatly, will probably keep his place and support Breel Embolo and Rubén Vargas in attack.
Colombia has suffered a major setback: Jhon Córdoba is out for the rest of the tournament with a hamstring injury against Ghana. Luis Suárez impressed as a replacement in the previous round and is expected to start alongside Luis Díaz and James Rodríguez in attack. Jefferson Lerma and Jhon Arias continue in midfield, while Davinson Sánchez leads the defence.
Probable starting line-ups
Switzerland (XI): Kobel – Zakaria, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodríguez – Xhaka, Freuler – Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas – Embolo
Colombia (XI): Vargas – Muñoz, Sánchez, Lucumí, Mojica – Lerma, Arias, Puerta – Rodríguez, Suárez, Díaz
Liam Rosenior is back in the coaching profession – this time for Paris FC. The deal comes just months after he was fired at Chelsea.
Key figures
- Switzerland have scored nine goals in their last three World Cup games
- Switzerland won Group B ahead of Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Qatar
- Switzerland have won four of their last six matches
- Colombia are unbeaten in their last six games – with five wins
- Colombia have kept a clean sheet in three straight games
- Colombia have conceded just one goal in four World Cup games
- James Rodríguez has been directly involved in several Colombian goals in the 2026 World Cup
- Colombia aims for its first World Cup quarter-final since 2014
Our Prediction
This looks set to be one of the most even matches of the last eight – between two teams that have both improved throughout the championship. Switzerland have built momentum after a difficult start and have enough quality to cause problems. But Colombia’s defensive record is outstanding – and with Díaz and Rodríguez up front, they have the attacking class to make the difference.
This will be close and even – perhaps decided by a moment of individual quality.
Divination: Switzerland 1–2 Colombia
