Colombia exited the 2026 World Cup after losing 4-2 in the penalty shootout against Switzerland, following a 0-0 draw in regular time. Missed kicks by Dávinson Sánchez and Juan Camilo Cucho Hernández sealed the elimination, while coach Néstor Lorenzo confirmed the end of the campaign.

What happened in the shootout?

Switzerland and Colombia remained goalless through 90 minutes and three minutes of added time. In the penalties, Dávinson Sánchez saw his shot hit the post and Juan Camilo Cucho Hernández saw his attempt sail over the crossbar. Switzerland, with two successful conversions, won 4-2. Sánchez's miss echoed the earlier chance missed by Jhon Lucumí, who also struck the post in the second half.

How does this compare with Colombia's history?

This is the second time the national side has decided a World Cup match on penalties. The first was at Russia 2018, when they drew 1-1 with England and fell 4-3 after Mateus Uribe and Carlos Bacca missed. Both occasions saw Colombia match its best oct‑round performance, as in Italy 1990 and Russia 2018. The only more successful campaign was in Brazil 2014, where they reached the quarter‑finals.

What does this mean for the team's future?

With the exit, attention turns to the next qualification cycle and squad renewal. Néstor Lorenzo will need to assess the showing of youngsters like Dávinson Sánchez, while veterans such as Juan Camilo Cucho Hernández may seek a new role. The recent form shows the side is in good shape: last result 3-0 vs Australia (2025-11-19) and a record of 3 wins, 2 draws in the last five games, currently on a two‑match winning streak.

What’s next in the tournament?

Switzerland will move on to face Argentina in pursuit of a semifinal spot. In other brackets, France meets Morocco, Spain takes on Belgium and Norway battles England. For Colombia, the task will be to rebuild confidence and prepare for the upcoming qualification phase, where pressure will be high and margins for error, minimal.