Colombia continue to be the encore act at this 2026 FIFA World Cup, their match against Switzerland will conclude the Round of 16 and lead us into the first Quarterfinal match on Thursday. We look at team news and predictions for this UEFA vs CONEMBOL clash.<\/p>\n
Read More:\u00a0Colombia Grind Past Ghana at World Cup R32 as Heat and Fatigue Take Their Toll<\/a><\/p>\n Date: Tuesday, July 7th, 2026 Colombia will play in their third country this 2026 World Cup Campaign, with this match against Switzerland taking place in Vancouver. Previously, Colombia played two matches in Mexico (CDMX and Guadalajara), before traveling to Miami and Kansas City in the United States. Manager Nestor Lorenzo told the media<\/a><\/p>\n “It\u2019s \u200bnot a good thing to travel so much. The whole time changes, weather changes, because we play \u2060at high altitudes and humidity, and in dry weather too. We\u2019re pretty much exposed to all sorts of changes. We knew it would \u200cbe this way,\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Lorenzo also highlighted Switzerland’s quality as a side<\/p>\n \u201c(It will require) \u200bplenty of tactical discipline, because they\u2019re quite organised, they\u2019re good in attack, they\u2019re good in defence, they have \u2060lots of actions fully systematised because their head coach has been with \u2060them for four or five years, I believe,\u201d he explained<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019ve been in two World Cups, some of them went \u200cto Qatar (in 2022). They are highly experienced, they play in their (English) Premier League and in Italy, so it is going \u200bto be a tough match against a pretty good team.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n For the first time this World Cup, Colombia is dealing with a defined injury problem, preferred striker Jhon Cordoba suffered a muscle tear early against Ghana, a 1-0 victory for Colombia, and was replaced by Luis Suarez. Suarez, who has also been a regular starter at the striker position for Colombia, should continue as the starter, while Cordoba is no longer part of the World Cup. In his place, Cucho Hernandez, who assisted in a goal in the first game of the group stage, would be his immediate backup, while winger Luis Diaz can also deputize in that role if needed.<\/p>\n Suarez attacking shift against Ghana was critical in the victory, and he will be needed to convert chances against Switzerland.<\/p>\n Beyond the change at striker, little is expected to change for a Colombia side that has been among the best in the World Cup defensively. Davinson Sanchez has been the player of the tournament for his country and is the key CB, Gustavo Puerta has become a midfield star, Daniel Munoz is an attacking RB, and presuming he’s recovered from flu-like symptoms, James Rodriguez will start as the #10 with Diaz, Suarez, and Jhon Arias in attack. Arias scored against Ghana, while Diaz has been active but has yet to score, frequently getting goals flagged offsides.<\/p>\n Juan Fernando Quintero has been excellent creating chances off the bench as the substitute #10, and many believe he should be the starter ahead of Rodriguez, but regardless, Rodriguez is always substituted in the second half of games.<\/p>\nColombia vs Switzerland<\/h2>\n
\nVenue: BC Place in Vancouver
\nKick Off: 16:00 in Vancouver
\nReferee: Ivan Arcides Barton Cisneros
\nCurrent Odds: Colombia 2.23 Draw (after 90 minutes) 3.28 Switzerland 3.43<\/p>\nColombia Team News<\/h3>\n