Geneva (AFP) – Swiss President Guy Parmelin on Wednesday hailed Switzerland's "historic" achievement in reaching the football World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Issued on: 08/07/2026 - 11:32
3 min Reading time
Switzerland supporters celebrated in the streets of Lausanne after the 'Nati' progressed to the World Cup quarter finals © Fabrice COFFRINI / AFP
Switzerland beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties after a goalless draw in Vancouver on Tuesday, setting up a last-eight clash with defending champions Argentina on Saturday in Kansas City.For viewers in the Alpine nation, the last-16 match in Canada finished shortly before 1:00am on Wednesday, it triggering car horns, cowbells and fireworks long into the night."Congratulations to the entire team and all the staff for this historic result!" Parmelin said on X, in a video from Mexico City, wearing a Switzerland scarf and his red "Switzerland: Great since 1291" baseball cap."I enjoyed it; it was tense. And now it's the first step towards the final."All the best for the last two matches before the final!"Sports minister Martin Pfister added on X: "Incredible! The team is inspiring the whole country and setting an example for the next generation of athletes. Bravo!".Newspapers hailed the achievement, with the Tribune de Geneve calling the win simply "Magic".
