2026 World Cup: Switzerland brush aside Canada to reach the last 16
Job done for Switzerland. Up against Canada on Wednesday night in Vancouver, the Swiss came through 2-1 after a tight, hard-fought contest. The win sends them into the last 16 of the World Cup, along with their opponents, who have also booked their place.
It was not always a classic, but the Swiss found the key moments after the break and then held off a late Canadian push in the final quarter of an hour.
The Embolo-Manzambi duo turned the game
The first half produced very few clear chances. Breel Embolo had the best openings for Switzerland, but could not beat Maxime Crepeau. At the other end, Jonathan David tried to knit things together for his teammates, but Gregor Kobel stood firm against Cyle Larin and then Ali Ahmed.
The game burst into life straight after the restart. Seconds after half-time, Johan Manzambi surged down his flank and whipped in a cross to the back post. Embolo cleverly let the ball run, allowing Ruben Vargas to open the scoring.
About 10 minutes later, the roles were reversed. Embolo picked out Manzambi inside the box, and the young Swiss midfielder profited from a Maxime Crepeau error to double the lead.
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Canada fought back, but could not turn it around
Two goals down, Canada suddenly found some life. Derek Cornelius first sent over a warning shot, before Jonathan David saw an effort blocked by the Swiss defence. The breakthrough finally came through Nathan Saliba and Promise David. Saliba played the perfect ball for his teammate, who volleyed past Gregor Kobel to drag Canada back into it.
The closing stages were nervy for Switzerland. Kobel had to stay alert on several crosses and high balls, but the Swiss back line held firm until the final whistle. With a second straight win, the Swiss keep rolling and will head into the knockout stage full of belief. Canada will also go through to the last 16, despite suffering their first defeat of the tournament.
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