Four wins to go. How can your team reach the final and win the World Cup 2026? Click here to find out.Who: Switzerland vs Colombia
What: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Round of 16
Where: BC Place Vancouver, Vancouver, Canada
When: Tuesday, July 7, at 1pm (20:00 GMT)
How to follow: We will have all the build-up on Al Jazeera Sport from 16:45 GMT before our live text commentary stream.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Balogun reprieve in vain as Belgium beat USA to set up Spain quarterfinallist 2 of 4‘MAGA agenda on display’: FIFA, Trump slammed amid Balogun red card rowlist 3 of 4FIFA defends Balogun red card referee after Trump calls him ‘a bit suspect’list 4 of 4Anyone who doesn’t feel for Palestinians is not human: Egypt coach Hassanend of listThe World Cup’s round of 16 concludes on Tuesday in Vancouver, as Switzerland and Colombia face off, with both aiming to match their best performances.Colombia have established themselves as dangerous outsiders at the tournament, right from topping their group to advancing into the last-16, all while conceding just one goal.The South Americans’ sturdy defence, though, will face a tricky test against Switzerland, whose breakout star Johan Manzambi has caught global attention.Playing at the same venue for a third consecutive time, Switzerland has a slight advantage heading into the game. But with Colombia boasting a balance of attacking flair and disciplined defence, the Swiss will have very little space and opportunity to exploit.Al Jazeera tells you everything about Switzerland vs Colombia:How did Switzerland and Colombia reach the round of 16?Switzerland topped Group B with seven points, beating Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina, and drawing with Qatar. They sealed a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the round of 32, bringing up their first World Cup knockout victory since 1938.Colombia topped Group K with seven points, beating Uzbekistan and DR Congo, and holding Portugal to a draw. In the round of 32, they beat Ghana 1-0.Swiss youngster Manzambi is the man to watchSwitzerland’s 20-year-old midfielder Manzambi has arguably been their trump card at the tournament, thanks to his three goals and two assists.Though he started his debut World Cup off the bench in the first game, the youngster has since become an integral part of the Swiss attack. From setting up chances to finishing them off in style, the swashbuckling Manzambi played an all-round role for his national side.His breakout performance in the tournament prompted coach Murat Yakin to call him “a very precious and important player”.“He has been constantly improving his performance. He is a team player. He’s not only a player that you like to watch … he is an all-rounder. He has many qualities and there is still so much potential in him,” Yakin added.The Swiss attacking quartet of Manzambi, Breel Embolo, Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas have been in fine form, scoring eight of their team’s nine goals between them.Should they click again and guide the team to victory, it would see Switzerland through to the quarterfinals for the first time since they hosted the tournament in 1954 – and their fourth overall (also 1934 and 1938).Breakout star Johan Manzambi is just 20 years old, but he’s racking up performances far beyond his years [Alex Grimm/Getty Images via AFP]Colombia coach praises his ‘versatile’ teamColombia coach Nestor Lorenzo emphasised his “versatile” team’s ability to adapt to situations, as they look to follow in the footsteps of the their 2014 Brazil World Cup performance that resulted in the nation’s best-ever placing in the last-eight of the tournament.“I believe it is key for us to have those types of players, players who interpret the game with simplicity, and that they know how to behave. They grasp the game, they understand the game,” Lorenzo said.“On top of the fact that they have the physical and technical capacity that allows for improved versatility, they understand the game. They understand the different moments, and it enables the team to grow. I think we have many players of this sort who are highly versatile.”Colombia have conceded just once so far – against Uzbekistan in their opening game – and registered five goals in five games, with Daniel Munoz scoring twice and Bayern Munich winger Luis Diaz bagging a goal and assist each.Colombia’s Luis Diaz was the player of the match in their opening 3-1 World Cup win over Uzbekistan [Eloisa Sanchez/Reuters]Switzerland vs Colombia predictionThe Opta supercomputer gives Colombia a 41.9 percent likelihood of winning in regulation time, while Switzerland’s chances of winning are 28.2 percent.The model estimates a 29.9 percent probability of the game going to extra time.Switzerland vs Colombia: How to watch, schedule
