Switzerland vs. Colombia projected lineups, starting 11 for World Cup Round of 16 game in Vancouver

Switzerland take on Colombia in the Round of 16 at BC Place in Vancouver on Tuesday, July 7, with a place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup quarterfinals on the line.

Murat Yakin's side booked its place in the last 16 with a 2-0 victory over Algeria, continuing a composed tournament run built on defensive organisation and efficiency in key moments.

Colombia also advanced with a narrow Round of 32 win, edging past Ghana 1-0 to set up this meeting. Nestor Lorenzo's team has shown resilience throughout the competition and will see this as a major opportunity to reach the last eight.

Here are the latest team news updates and projected starting lineups for Switzerland and Colombia.

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Switzerland projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 1. G. Kobel (GK) — 6. D. Zakaria, 5. M. Akanji, 4. N. Elvedi, 13. R. Rodriguez — 8. R. Freuler, 10. G. Xhaka — 11. D. Ndoye, 9. J. Manzambi, 17. R. Vargas — 7. B. Embolo

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: None

Yakin has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday's Round of 16 clash and is expected to name a side largely unchanged from the team that defeated Algeria. Switzerland has impressed with its defensive discipline and composure throughout the tournament, qualities it will need again against a dangerous Colombia attack.

Gregor Kobel is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Denis Zakaria, Manuel Akanji, Nico Elvedi and Ricardo Rodriguez. Akanji and Elvedi have formed a dependable central defensive partnership, while Zakaria's versatility at right-back has added further stability to Yakin's side.

Captain Granit Xhaka is expected to partner Remo Freuler at the base of midfield, with Johan Manzambi, Dan Ndoye and Ruben Vargas providing support behind the lone striker. The trio has supplied much of Switzerland's attacking thrust during the tournament while maintaining the work rate required out of possession.

Breel Embolo is projected to lead the line once again after spearheading Switzerland's run to the knockout stage. With a place in the quarterfinals on the line, Yakin is unlikely to make significant changes to a side that has won three consecutive World Cup matches.

Colombia projected starting 11

(4-2-3-1, right to left): 12. C. Vargas (GK) — 2. D. Munoz, 23. D. Sanchez, 3. J. Lucumi, 17. J. Mojica — 16. J. Lerma, 14. G. Puerta — 11. J. Arias, 10. J. Rodriguez, 7. L. Diaz — 25. L. Suarez

• Injured: None
• Suspended: None
• On a yellow card: J. Arias, R. Rios

Lorenzo has no fresh injury concerns ahead of Tuesday and is expected to keep faith with the side that edged past Ghana. Colombia has combined defensive discipline with attacking flair throughout the tournament and arrives in Vancouver full of confidence.

Camilo Vargas is set to continue in goal behind a back four of Daniel Munoz, Davinson Sanchez, Jhon Lucumi and Johan Mojica. Munoz has been one of Colombia's standout performers at the World Cup, regularly providing an attacking outlet from right-back while remaining influential at the other end of the pitch.

Jefferson Lerma and Gustavo Puerta are expected to anchor midfield, allowing James Rodriguez to operate in his preferred playmaking role. Jhon Arias and Luis Diaz should provide the width and creativity as Colombia looks to stretch Switzerland's well-organised defence.

Luis Suarez is projected to lead the line after coming on in the eighth minute for Jhon Cordoba in the Round of 32 victory over Ghana. With a place in the quarterfinals at stake, Lorenzo is unlikely to make significant changes to a side that has continued to build momentum as the tournament has progressed.

MORE: Who will win the World Cup in 2026?

Switzerland vs. Colombia predictions, betting odds

This has all the ingredients to be one of the closest contests of the Round of 16. Switzerland has impressed with its defensive organisation and tactical discipline, but Colombia has shown it possesses the creativity and attacking quality to unlock stubborn opponents.

Diaz, James and Arias have been at the heart of Colombia's progress, and if they can impose themselves in the final third, Lorenzo's side should have enough to edge a tightly contested encounter and book its place in the quarterfinals.

• Score prediction: Switzerland 1-2 Colombia

Switzerland and Colombia World Cup rosters

Here are the names on Switzerland's and Colombia's World Cup rosters. All caps and stats are correct as of the date of their announcement in May 2026.

Switzerland World Cup squad

Head coach: Murat Yakin

Colombia World Cup squad

MORE: A complete breakdown of Colombia's 2026 World Cup squad

Head coach: Nestor Lorenzo

Where to watch Switzerland vs. Colombia

In USA:

• TV channel: FOX
• Live stream: fubo, Fox One, Fox Sports app/website

This match will be broadcast nationally on Fox in the United States with streaming options available on its dedicated platforms.

The best place to catch the match is on streaming service fubo, with new customers able to sign up for a FREE trial.

Fubo offers a free trial for new subscribers, so you can try the service before you buy. Stream ESPN, ABC, CBS, Fox and 100+ top channels of live TV and sports without cable. (Participating plans only. Taxes and fees may apply.)

Here is how to watch the match in some of the other major territories: