Switzerland and Colombia Clash for Quarter-Final Berth
Switzerland take on Colombia in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at BC Place in Vancouver. Both teams advanced from the group stage as dark horses, with Switzerland defeating Algeria and Colombia overcoming Ghana. The winner will book a place in the quarter-finals.
Team News and Injury Updates
Switzerland have minimal injury concerns. Silvan Widmer is the only doubt with a hip problem. Colombia, however, lost Jhon Cordoba to a long-term muscle issue suffered against Ghana; he is out for the remainder of the tournament. Otherwise, both squads are at full strength.
Predicted Switzerland XI (4-2-3-1)
Manager Murat Yakin is expected to stick with his usual 4-2-3-1 formation. Gregor Kobel is the undisputed No. 1 goalkeeper. Denis Zakaria continues as a makeshift right-back, with Ricardo Rodriguez on the left. Nico Elvedi partners Manuel Akanji in central defence. In midfield, Remo Freuler partners captain Granit Xhaka, who is a Chelsea transfer target and Sunderland captain. Ruben Vargas starts on the left wing, Dan Ndoye on the right, Johan Manzambi in a free role behind lone striker Breel Embolo.
Predicted XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo.
Doubt: Widmer.
Predicted Colombia XI (4-3-3)
Colombia manager Nestor Lorenzo is likely to field a 4-3-3. Camilo Vargas starts in goal, protected by a back four of Daniel Munoz (Crystal Palace), Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, and Johan Mojica. Jefferson Lerma anchors midfield alongside Jhon Arias and Gustavo Puerta. Bayern Munich star Luis Diaz is the key threat on the left wing, while James Rodriguez operates from the right, drifting infield onto his left foot. Luis Suarez leads the line in Cordoba's absence.
Predicted XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Arias; Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz.
Out: Cordoba.
Match Details and How to Watch
The match kicks off at 9pm BST on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at BC Place, Vancouver. UK viewers can watch live on ITV.
