Argentina’s women’s national football team fell to its Colombian counterpart in the 2025 Copa América Femenina semifinals in a penalty shootout, bringing its LA 2028 Olympics dreams to an end.

It was bound to be a tough ask for the Albiceleste from the get go. Coming in as 2022 tournament finalists, Colombia was one of the favorites to win the title, and had only finished second in its group after a hard-fought tie with defending champions Brazil.

Argentina came out swinging for the fences, generating a few good scoring chances. Striker Yamila Rodríguez had the biggest one, when a pass by Daiana Falfán left her 1-on-1 with Colombian goalkeeper Katherine Tapia, who saved her shot.

Colombia gained the upper hand later one, as the Argentine’s efforts to claim an early lead looked to have drained the team. The Albiceleste held on on the defense, with goalkeeper Solana Pereyra saving a couple of big chances. 

Drama ensued in the dying moments, as Colombian striker Manuela Pavi looked to have been taken out by Argentine midfielder Sophia Braun inside the box in the 95th minute. The Cafeteras cried out for a penalty, and looked to be having their way as VAR requested referee Ivana Projkovska review the action. While the judge agreed with the call, it was also shown the ball had hit the Colombian’s hand in a prior action, nullifying the play.

With the game tied after regulation, the series went to a penalty shootout. Tapia became Argentina’s foil once again, saving an effort by Paulina Gramaglia, but the series remained even when Colombia’s Mayra Ramírez missed her effort. Another miss, this time by Argentina’s Eliana Stabile, sealed Colombia’s ticket to the final and LA 2028.

“We’re not leaving happy, because we wanted to get to the final, that was our goal,” said Argentina captain Aldana Cometti after the game. “We congratulate Colombia, and we’ll keep working hard.”

The Argentine defender added she hoped more spots for the 2028 Olympics are opened, with the Albiceleste still able to finish in third position if they beat the loser of the other semifinal, between Uruguay and Brasil. By finishing in the top five, Argentina has already secured themselves a spot in the Lima 2027 PanAmerican Games.

“The cup isn’t over for us, we still have one more game, and we have to fight for it,” Cometti said. “I can’t ask anything else of my teammates, they gave their all in every game, exhausted themselves. I’m proud to be part of this team, it’s the most beautiful feeling. We’ll be back in the next cup, always dreaming of lifting the trophy.”

Argentina will wrap up its 2025 Copa América Femenina on Friday, August 1, when they go for the third place finish at 9 p.m. broadcast in Argentina by TV provider DSports.