Colombia loses to Switzerland on penalties; federation condemns threats to Campaz

The Colombian Soccer Federation condemned death threats directed at midfielder Jaminton Campaz and his family after Colombia lost to Switzerland in a Round of 16 penalty shootout at the 2026 World Cup. Campaz missed a scoring opportunity in extra time during the July 7 match. His social media accounts then received a flood of negative comments and threats.

The federation issued a statement rejecting any intimidation of players or their families for representing the country. "No athlete, nor any member of their camp, should be subjected to intimidation for representing their country in a sporting context," the statement said. The executive committee expressed full solidarity with Campaz, his family, the national team, and the delegation.

It called on the Attorney General’s Office to investigate, prosecute, and punish those responsible as quickly as possible. Campaz posted on Instagram a photo of himself covering his face in frustration. "Football is also made up of difficult moments.

My Colombia, please let us never lose sight of respect. We may think differently or feel frustration and sadness, but no passion justifies hatred or living in fear," he wrote. The threats come 32 years after the murder of former player Andres Escobar in Medellin, days after Colombia’s loss to the United States in the 1994 World Cup.

Switzerland will face Argentina for a semifinal berth at 9 p.m. ET on Saturday.