Switzerland and Colombia meet tonight at BC Place in Vancouver for a place in the World Cup 2026 quarter-finals. The match kicks off at 9pm BST and will be broadcast on ITV.
Switzerland Team News and Predicted Lineup
Switzerland advanced by beating Algeria 2-0 in the round of 16, but they have several fitness concerns. Right-back Silvan Widmer is expected to be fit, but Johan Manzambi, Ruben Vargas, and Djibril Sow all left training early on Monday, raising doubts. Captain Granit Xhaka, Manuel Akanji, and Breel Embolo are being monitored for "muscular overload," according to the Swiss camp. Additionally, Luca Jaquez and Michel Aebischer are struggling with injuries.
Coach Murat Yakin typically uses a 4-2-3-1 formation. Gregor Kobel is the first-choice goalkeeper. Denis Zakaria has been deployed as a makeshift right-back and may continue there. Ricardo Rodriguez starts at left-back, with Nico Elvedi partnering Akanji in central defence. In midfield, Remo Freuler joins Xhaka. Dan Ndoye is expected on the right wing, while Vargas, if fit, plays on the left. Manzambi, if ready, could operate as a free role behind striker Embolo.
Predicted Switzerland XI: Kobel; Zakaria, Akanji, Elvedi, Rodriguez; Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Manzambi, Vargas; Embolo.
Doubts: Manzambi, Vargas, Sow, Jaquez, Aebischer.
Colombia Team News and Predicted Lineup
Colombia beat Ghana 1-0 to reach the last 16, but they lost striker Jhon Cordoba for the rest of the tournament due to an adductor tear. Coach Nestor Lorenzo is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation. Camilo Vargas is the first-choice goalkeeper, protected by a back four of Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi, and Johan Mojica. Jefferson Lerma anchors the midfield, with Jhon Arias and Gustavo Puerta alongside him. Bayern Munich's Luis Diaz is the key threat from the left wing.
Luis Suarez is likely to lead the line in Cordoba's absence. James Rodriguez, the former Real Madrid and Everton playmaker, will have a free role from the right, drifting infield onto his left foot.
Predicted Colombia XI: Vargas; Munoz, Sanchez, Lucumi, Mojica; Puerta, Lerma, Arias; Rodriguez, Suarez, Diaz.
Injured: Jhon Cordoba.
