Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi earned Switzerland a deserved victory at BC Place in Vancouver…reports London Daily News Desk
Switzerland defeated co hosts Canada 2 1 in their final Group B match at the FIFA World Cup 2026 to finish top of the standings, with both sides advancing to the Round of 32.
Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi earned Switzerland a deserved victory at BC Place in Vancouver, while Canada’s late reply from substitute Promise David proved only a consolation as the hosts finished second in the group.
The result ensured Switzerland qualified for the knockout stage for the sixth time in their last seven World Cup appearances, while Canada reached the knockout rounds for the first time in the nation’s history.
After impressing as a substitute with two goals in Switzerland’s 4 1 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, 20 year old Johan Manzambi was rewarded with a place in the starting line up and played a decisive role once again.
The breakthrough came early in the second half when Manzambi provided the assist for Ruben Vargas, whose strike beat the Canadian goalkeeper, bounced off the post and crossed the goal line.
Switzerland doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through Manzambi himself. Breel Embolo delivered a precise cross into the penalty area and the young midfielder finished confidently to make it 2 0.
Defender Manuel Akanji praised the youngster’s creativity after the match.
“We need players like this that are creative. He sees things that maybe others don’t see or are not capable of doing,” Akanji said.
Canada pulled one goal back in the 76th minute when substitute Promise David scored with his first touch shortly after entering the field.
Despite the defeat, David remained optimistic about Canada’s progress at the tournament.
“We did not secure at least a draw, it means that we have to leave here for the next game,” he said.
“We are kind of disappointed about that. But we scored a lot in all three games. I think we did show a new level of attacking football.”
Canada’s qualification for the Round of 32 represents a landmark achievement for the national team. Having lost all three matches during their previous World Cup appearances in Mexico in 1986 and Qatar in 2022, the Canadians have now progressed beyond the group stage for the first time.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will remain in Vancouver for their Round of 32 fixture on July 3, where they will face one of the third placed teams from Groups E, F, G, I or J.
Canada will travel to Los Angeles to take on the Group A runners up on June 29 as they prepare for the first World Cup knockout match in the country’s history.
Both teams now turn their attention to the knockout stage, with Switzerland carrying momentum as Group B winners and Canada looking to continue their historic campaign despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
