After Switzerland won a ticket to the quarter-finals of the 2026 World Cup, coach Murat Yakin approached and hugged captain Granit Xhaka right on the field. In the music of "Freed From Desire" echoing throughout BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Xhaka could not hide his tears, and Yakin also showed clear emotion.
That is not only joy, but also a feeling of relief after a tense match. In a World Cup that witnessed many exciting score chases, the goalless confrontation with Colombia was not an eye-catching match. However, for the Swiss, the only important thing is a ticket to the quarter-finals.
Defeating Colombia in a penalty shootout, Switzerland reached the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954. The victory became even more valuable when they overcame a higher-rated opponent in an atmosphere almost home to South American fans in Vancouver.
The reward for Yakin's team is a clash with reigning champion Argentina in the quarter-finals. Lionel Scaloni's team has scored at least 3 goals in 4 out of 5 matches played. Meanwhile, Switzerland has only scored more than 2 goals once, in the 4-1 victory over Bosnia & Herzegovina in the group stage.
However, Switzerland's bravery and persistent fighting ability, combined with signs of instability in Argentina's defense in the comeback against Egypt, bring hope for another shock.
It's hard to describe the emotions right now. It's a real battle. We have to play with alertness, patience and bravery. Finally, we broke the penalty shootout curse. I'm happy for the players, the coaching staff and all the fans" - Yakin shared after the match.
Switzerland's victory also helped UEFA dominate in the quarter-finals when up to 6 representatives participated. This is the largest number of European teams entering the quarter-finals at a World Cup held outside the continent since 1994.
It is noteworthy that the 2026 World Cup has 48 participating teams, but Europe only accounts for 16 slots, equivalent to 33% of the total number of teams. However, UEFA representatives account for 75% of the teams participating in the quarter-finals.
Meanwhile, Argentina became the only remaining representative of South America, while Morocco was the last flag of African football.
However, Switzerland understands that they need to improve a lot if they want to go further. "I am extremely proud of my teammates. It is a victory of spirit and will. We have made history. This is the greatest achievement of the current generation of players. Hopefully in the future there will be more generations following, but this is truly a special team" - Xhaka shared.
Switzerland may not have created the most convincing performance, but their tenacity and bravery have brought them to the quarter-finals. Ahead is a challenge named Lionel Messi and Argentina. Against the strength of the defending champion, bravery alone is not enough. Switzerland will need the most perfect performance since the beginning of the tournament.
