Gregor Kobel, Borussia Dortmund's goalkeeper, is the hero of the Swiss national team! With several spectacular saves and a decisive penalty stop, he led Switzerland to the 2026 World Cup quarterfinals. After a scoreless draw against Colombia (0-0 after extra time), Switzerland won the penalty shootout 4-3. Kobel saved the crucial shot from Cucho Hernandez.
How Kobel took Switzerland to the quarterfinals
Kobel was already the best player in regular time. With several saves, he kept Switzerland in the game. In extra time, he even saved a header from Jhon Lucumi, which hit the crossbar. In the penalty shootout, he stopped Colombia's fourth attempt. Before that, Davinson Sanchez (Colombia) and Manuel Akanji (Switzerland) had missed their penalties.
Why this success is so special
For Switzerland, this is the most successful World Cup tournament in their history. In 1954, they also reached the quarterfinals but had to play fewer games. Kobel said after the match: „Sportingly, it is the best day of my life. I need a moment to realize it all.“ FIFA honored him as „Player of the Match“.
What's next?
Switzerland will face defending champions Argentina in the quarterfinals. The match will take place on Sunday morning (3 AM German time). For Borussia Dortmund, Kobel is an important player. In the Bundesliga, the team is in 2nd place with 73 points. They have won four of their last five games and lost once (Form: WWWWL). Their next match is on July 25 against Fortuna Düsseldorf.
