Switzerland and Canada advance to the knockout stages from Group B
Switzerland secured a spot in the Round of 32 as the winner of Group B at the 2026 World Cup by defeating co-host Canada 2–1. Switzerland repeated their feat of reaching the knockout stages of their fourth consecutive World Cup by scoring two goals in the opening 12 minutes of the second half in Vancouver. After a goalless first half, Switzerland took the lead just a minute into the second half.
Ruben Vargas put the team ahead with a comfortable finish from Johann Manzambi’s excellent pass. After 11 minutes, Manzambi himself appeared as a goal scorer, giving Switzerland a strong 2-0 lead.
Substitute Promise David scored in the 76th minute to bring Canada back into the game, but no further goals were scored. With the win, Switzerland topped the group and advanced to the knockout stage. Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka, playing his 149th match for the national team, gave an impressive performance. Switzerland will now face the third-placed team from Group E, F, G, H, I, or J on July 3.
Despite the defeat, Canada has qualified for the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time in its history. Canada, which previously drew with Bosnia-Herzegovina and beat Qatar by a wide margin, finished second in its group. It will now play the Group A runner-up on June 28 at the Los Angeles Arena in California.
Meanwhile, Bosnia-Herzegovina kept alive its chances of reaching the knockout stages of a World Cup for the first time by defeating Qatar 3-1 in the other group match.
In the match in Seattle, Bosnia’s 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring with a brilliant goal in the 29th minute. Six minutes later, Bosnia doubled their lead when captain Edin Dzeko’s shot deflected off defender Sultan Al-Breek. Qatar captain Hassan Al-Haydos reduced the deficit towards the end of the first half, but Bosnia remained in control.
Substitute Ermin Mahmik scored in the 80th minute to secure Bosnia’s victory. Dzeko, who was playing his 150th match for the national team, also played a key role in the team’s victory.
RELATED NEWS
