Colombia exited the FIFA World Cup at the Round of 16 stage after losing on penalties to Switzerland, and Luis Diaz burst into tears after another international disappointment
01:10, 08 Jul 2026Updated 01:14, 08 Jul 2026
Luis Diaz was in floods of tears as Colombia was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup by Switzerland
Luis Diaz was in floods of tears as Colombia was eliminated from the FIFA World Cup by Switzerland(Image: 2026 FIFA)
Former Liverpool star Luis Diaz was devastated after Colombia suffered elimination from the FIFA World Cup at the hands of Switzerland, after a costly penalty shootout.
Diaz scored one goal and recorded one assist for Colombia at the World Cup and was tasked with being the star who would lead the nation to the quarterfinals. Former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp was even in Vancouver to watch Diaz, but saw the Bayern Munich winger leave the field in tears.
Mohamed Salah also saw his World Cup campaign end in heartbreaking circumstances after Egypt surrendered a two-goal lead to Argentina in Kansas City. North of the border, Diaz and Colombia missed a huge chance to advance.
After Argentina's dramatic comeback win over Egypt, which was another game littered with controversy, Colombia faced Switzerland. Both defenses appeared to cancel out, as no goals were scored in 120 minutes, forcing a tense penalty shootout.
The Europeans edged the shootout 4-3, as Colombia's Davinson Sanchez and Cucho Hernandez missed from the spot. Ruben Vargas became the hero for Switzerland, scoring the decisive penalty to send his nation through.
Diaz was devastated as his World Cup dreams ended, and it was another disappointment for Colombia. The South American nation had two big chances during the match, including one right at the end, which was missed by Jaminton Campaz.
Diaz was devastated, and James Rodriguez was also seen in tears
Diaz was devastated, and James Rodriguez was also seen in tears(Image: 2026 Getty Images)
Colombia managed to hold Switzerland to zero major opportunities, but not from the spot. Switzerland has now advanced to the quarterfinals and will meet Argentina in Kansas City, but Colombia has now been eliminated on penalties in its last two World Cup appearances.
It's been a difficult history for Colombia, which has reached the World Cup quarterfinals only once, losing to Brazil in 2014. Colombia also has just one Copa America title (2001) to its name, despite the prestigious history of players.
Colombia reached the Copa America final in 2024 but lost to Argentina in extra time. Colombia failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and was eliminated on penalties against England in 2018.
Diaz has become Colombia's lead star in the modern era
Diaz has become Colombia's lead star in the modern era(Image: LUIS ACOSTA/AFP via Getty Images)
This summer seemed like a huge opportunity, especially with the conditions, but Colombia missed the chance to set up a grudge match with Argentina. Instead, Switzerland reached the World Cup quarterfinals for the first time since 1954, when it hosted the competition.
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Switzerland has now won multiple knockout games in the same World Cup for the first time. It is also the first time that there have been 48 teams at the World Cup, expanding the tournament and requiring an additional knockout round.
Still, Switzerland triumphed in Group B after beating Bosnia and Herzegovina and Canada, but drew with Qatar. Interestingly, Switzerland conceded in all three group games, but has recorded back-to-back shutouts in the knockout round.
Switzerland beat Algeria 2-0 in the Round of 32 and held a talented Colombia side for two hours. Next up is Argentina and Lionel Messi, who is now on eight goals in five World Cup games.