Switzerland secures knockout stage berth
Switzerland has secured its place in the last 32 of the World Cup, finishing at the top of Group B after a victory over co-hosts Canada. The decisive goals came early in the second half from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi, ensuring the Swiss claimed the top position in Vancouver.
This achievement marks Switzerland as only the third nation, alongside Argentina and France, to reach the knockout stages in each of the last four World Cups. Their next match is scheduled for 3 July in Vancouver, where they will face one of the third-placed teams from Group E, F, G, H, I, or J.
The match on 24 June 2026, kicked off at 20:00. Despite the defeat, Canada also advanced to the knockout stages for the first time in their history, having finished second in Group B. Their path to the knockout rounds included a draw with Bosnia and Herzegovina and a significant victory against Qatar in their previous two matches.
However, by not securing the top spot in the standings, Jesse Marsch’s side has relinquished their home advantage and will not play any further matches in Canada. Their next fixture will be held at the Los Angeles Stadium in California on 28 June, where they will face the runners-up of Group A.
Match highlights and key moments
The first half of the match saw limited opportunities for either side. Switzerland, led by captain Granit Xhaka in his 149th international appearance, came closest to opening the scoring when Breel Embolo’s effort from inside the area was saved by Maxime Crepeau. Canada struggled to challenge their opponents, managing only three shots on target in a subdued first-half performance, despite having scored six goals against Qatar in their previous game.
Switzerland took the lead within a minute of the second half’s restart. Manzambi delivered a cross to the back post, which Vargas calmly converted for his second goal of the tournament. The winning goal for Murat Yakin’s side came 11 minutes later, with Manzambi finishing from inside the area after effective hold-up play by Embolo.
Canada managed to reduce the deficit 14 minutes before the end of the match. Substitute Promise David scored after a well-executed team move, just 76 seconds after entering the game. However, this late goal was not enough to spark a full comeback for the Canadian side.
Before this decisive match, Switzerland arrived in strong form, having achieved a dominant 4-1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina. This result was significantly influenced by Johan Manzambi, who came off the bench to score a brace and earn the Man of the Match award. Earlier in the tournament, Murat Yakin’s team had drawn 1-1 with Qatar.
Canada’s journey to this point included a 6-0 win against Qatar, a historic result where Jonathan David scored a hat-trick. However, this victory was overshadowed by a serious leg injury to midfielder Ismael Koné, who fractured his tibia and fibula. Although he has rejoined the squad after surgery, he will not participate further in the tournament. Nathan Saliba, who replaced Koné against Qatar and scored a free-kick on his World Cup debut, is expected to step into the starting lineup.
The match between Switzerland and Canada was only the second time these two nations have met. Their previous encounter was a friendly on 15 May 2002, where Canada secured a 3-1 away victory in Switzerland.
Team form and outlook
Switzerland has maintained good form leading up to this match, with two wins, three draws, and no defeats in their last five outings. Their 4-1 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina on 18 June solidified their tournament credentials. Prior to that, they drew 1-1 with Qatar on 13 June, and also had draws against Australia and Norway, along with a 4-1 win against Jordan in pre-tournament friendlies. Across these five games, Switzerland scored 10 goals and conceded four.
Canada’s recent record includes two wins, two draws, and no losses in their last five matches. Their 6-0 win over Qatar on 18 June marked their first victory at a men’s World Cup. Their tournament opener saw them draw 1-1 with Bosnia and Herzegovina on 12 June. Other results include a 1-1 draw with Ireland, a 2-0 win against Uzbekistan, and a goalless draw with Tunisia. In these five matches, Canada scored 10 goals and conceded two, keeping three clean sheets.
Murat Yakin’s squad for Switzerland was largely fit, with only left-back Miro Muheim confirmed as an absentee due to injury. The projected starting XI for Switzerland included Kobel; Widmer, Jaquez, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Freuler, Xhaka; Ndoye, Embolo, Vargas. There were no suspensions for the Swiss side.
Canada was without Ismael Koné due to his leg injury and Alfie Jones, also injured. Jesse Marsch’s projected starting XI for Canada featured Crepeau; Johnston, Laryea, Sigur, Bombito; Buchanan, Ahmed, Eustaquio, Saliba; David, Larin. The match took place at BC Place in Vancouver on 24 June.
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Source: bbc.com
Leo Ashworth is a Sports News Writer at Latest News UK. He cut his teeth on regional sport before specialising in fast breaking-news writing. He focuses on rugby union, golf and boxing and is known for clear, deadline-driven reporting. He holds a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Lancashire and completed an NCTJ diploma. Now based in Newcastle, he follows the European Tour and boxes at an amateur gym. “Get it right first, then tell readers why it matters.”