Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland secured top spot in World Cup Group B with a 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday, while the co-hosts also sealed a historic place in the knockout rounds.
With the group’s top two sides meeting in Vancouver, both teams knew a win would guarantee first place and, in theory, a more favourable path through the knockout stage.
Vargas and Manzambi delivered for the Swiss after the break, helping Switzerland finish with seven points from three matches. Promise David pulled one back for Canada in the closing stages, but the hosts ended three points behind their opponents in second place. Nevertheless, Canada advanced to the last 32 for the first time in their history.
Before the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a match at a World Cup finals. Their second-place finish means they will face the Group A runners-up in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will take on one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams next week.
Elsewhere in Group B, Bosnia-Herzegovina secured third place with a 3-1 victory over Qatar and must now wait to discover whether four points will be enough to earn a spot among the best third-placed finishers.
Prior to kick-off, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone was introduced to the crowd in a wheelchair after suffering a broken leg in last week’s 6-0 victory over Qatar. The 23-year-old received a standing ovation from supporters at BC Place.
Manzambi proves the difference
Switzerland threatened early and should have taken the lead after 10 minutes when Breel Embolo was presented with a golden opportunity, only to fire straight at Maxime Crepeau. Johan Manzambi followed up but saw his effort blocked by a defender.
Canada’s first clear opening arrived just after the half-hour mark. Cyle Larin cut inside onto his right foot and attempted to curl an effort beyond Gregor Kobel, who remained alert.
The Swiss goalkeeper was called into action again shortly before the interval, diving low to his right to push away a tame Ali Ahmed strike.
After an entertaining first half, Switzerland struck moments after the restart. Manzambi burst down the right and delivered a cross that evaded everyone before finding Vargas unmarked at the back post. The winger controlled expertly and rifled a finish past Crepeau to open the scoring.
Manzambi then capped an outstanding display with Switzerland’s second goal on 57 minutes. After good hold-up play from Embolo on the edge of the area, the midfielder took advantage of hesitant goalkeeping to squeeze a right-footed effort into the net for his third goal of the tournament.
Canada coach Jesse Marsch responded with a triple substitution, introducing midfielder Stephen Eustaquio among the changes.
Jonathan David, fresh from a hat-trick against Qatar, nearly sparked a comeback when he turned sharply inside the box and fired towards goal, only for Nico Elvedi to throw himself in front of the shot.
Moments after the second-half hydration break, Canada found a lifeline. Substitute Promise David stretched to convert an excellent delivery from Nathan Saliba, reducing the deficit and setting up a tense finale.
A second goal would have been enough to send Canada through as group winners, and the hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser. However, despite creating danger from a series of late set-pieces, Switzerland held firm to secure victory and clinch top spot in Group B.
AFP
