Switzerland and Colombia meet at BC Place in Vancouver in the round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 9:00pm BST / 4:00pm ET / 6:00am AEST (Wednesday).

Where to watch

The match is available free to air across several regions. Viewers in the UK can stream on ITV1 and ITVX, with build-up beginning at 8:15pm. In Australia, SBS On Demand carries the game at no cost. Irish fans can tune in via RTÉ Player, while Brazilian supporters have CazéTV on YouTube. Swiss viewers can access the match through SRF, RTS, or RSI. In the US, the game airs on Fox, accessible through Fox One, YouTube TV, Hulu+Live TV, Fubo, Sling, or DirecTV. Fox One currently offers a 3-day free trial, after which subscriptions cost $19.99/month.

Switzerland's record in the round of 16

Switzerland have a painful history at this stage of the World Cup. They were eliminated in the round of 16 in 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 — four consecutive exits at the same hurdle. Head coach Murat Yakin will be determined to finally break that curse in Vancouver.

Granit Xhaka reached a landmark 150th cap in the 2-0 victory over Algeria and the Sunderland midfielder continues to anchor the Swiss midfield. Around him, 20-year-old Johan Manzambi has been the tournament's most exciting revelation, contributing three goals and two assists while showing a natural ability to beat defenders and find the right pass. Yakin is also drawing strong performances from Ruben Vargas, Breel Embolo, and Dan Ndoye.

Colombia the dark horses

Colombia entered the tournament with plenty of admirers, and their performances in North America have done nothing to dampen that enthusiasm. Los Cafeteros topped their group and followed it with a convincing last-32 win over Ghana. Across four matches, they have conceded just once, demonstrating a defensive solidity that makes them dangerous at this stage.

The one lingering question for head coach Nestor Lorenzo is his side's efficiency in front of goal. Colombia had 24 shots against Portugal in a stalemate, and managed 20 attempts in the 1-0 win over Ghana. Greater clinical finishing will be required against a resilient Switzerland side.

Lorenzo will look to Luis Díaz and Jhon Arias to deliver in attack. Luis Suárez has yet to open his account at this tournament and will be eager to change that, while Jhon Cordoba misses out after suffering a tournament-ending injury.

Head-to-head at the World Cup

The two sides have met once before at a World Cup — in the 1994 group stage held in the USA, where Colombia won 2-0. Despite that victory, Colombia finished bottom of Group A. Switzerland will be hoping history does not repeat itself.

Prediction

Colombia are expected to advance, though Switzerland's stubborn defensive record means it could be a tight affair. FourFourTwo predicts a 2-1 victory for Colombia, potentially decided in extra time.