Kobel the hero as Switzerland beat Colombia on penalties to set up Argentina quarter-final

Gregor Kobel plunged low to his left and clawed away Cucho Hernandez’s penalty, sparking wild Swiss celebrations. The save secured a dramatic 4-3 shootout victory for Switzerland after a goalless draw in the final last-16 tie of the World Cup 2026. Kobel’s heroics – a stunning stop from the Colombian forward – propelled the Swiss into a quarter-final clash with Argentina. The match had been a tense, scoreless stalemate over 120 minutes, leaving everything to be decided from the spot. Switzerland held their nerve from 12 yards, and when Hernandez stepped up for Colombia’s fourth penalty, Kobel guessed correctly and parried the ball away. The miss proved decisive: Switzerland converted their subsequent kick to take an unassailable lead, sealing a 4-3 shootout win. For Switzerland, the reward is a daunting meeting with Lionel Messi’s Argentina, who await in the last eight. Kobel’s save has written his name into Swiss football folklore – and given his country a puncher’s chance against the tournament favourites.