Switzerland opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Breel Embolo turned a lovely cutback from Johan Manzambi into the net.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Switzerland ensured passage into the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup after a comfortable 2-0 win over Algeria at BC Place, Vancouver, on Friday.
Murat Yakin’s Swiss side put on a tactical masterclass, shifting formations and laying traps for the North Africans before hitting them with two sucker-punch goals that decided a contest short on excitement, but full of intrigue and nuance.
They took a deserved early lead after some brilliant wing play from Freiburg’s Johan Manzambi, who beat his man before delivering a lovely cutback for Rennes forward Breel Embolo to turn home in the 10th minute.
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Algeria’s best chance came in first-half stoppage time when Ibrahim Maza dragged a snapshot wide of the near post—one of the few efforts on goal they managed in the game.
The Swiss struck again almost immediately after the break when a half-hearted clearance from Rafik Belghali ended up at the feet of Dan Ndoye, who placed his shot beyond the dive of goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
The European side had a glorious opportunity for a third late on when Fabian Rieder had a clear chance at the back post with the goal at his mercy, but he mishit the ball.
The victory gave Switzerland their first World Cup knockout game win since 1938, and they will now face either Colombia or Ghana in the last 16.
