Switzerland face Argentina and Messi in World Cup quarterfinal

Argentina waiting Saturday night

Your quarterfinal is set. Switzerland face Argentina on Saturday night into Sunday 12 July in the World Cup 2026 quarterfinals (4). Lionel Messi and the world champions stand between you and a first semifinal since, well, forever. The Swiss camp is not shying away. "Wird ein gigantisches Spiel", it's going to be a gigantic match (3).

Kobel's wall, and a curse buried

Gregor Kobel carried his Dortmund form to Vancouver. Switzerland 0–0 Colombia, penalties, and your goalkeeper saved the decisive spot-kick from Cucho Hernandez to send you through (5). First quarterfinal since 1954.

Murat Yakin had the penalty routine drilled down to how players stood and breathed, and it worked. Manuel Akanji saw his third tournament penalty saved and said afterwards it would be his last attempt. Kobel was left speechless by his own performance.

Colombia fallout: Campaz threatened

The aftermath of that shootout turned ugly for one Colombian player. Jaminton Campaz, who plays for Rosario Central, received threats after Colombia's elimination at Swiss hands (2). He issued a public statement pushing back. Not your team's doing, but it is the kind of heat a quarterfinal run generates.

France already through

The other side of the bracket is moving. Kylian Mbappe and France advanced to the semifinals already (1). If Switzerland beat Argentina, you would face the winner of Spain versus Belgium (6). One step at a time, but the path exists.