VANCOUVER:
At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Switzerland beat hosts Canada 1-2 to advance to Group B and cement their place in the knockout stages.
In the match played in Vancouver, in the first half, both teams had fewer opportunities, but Switzerland played a relatively better game.
Captain Granit Xhaka made his 149th international appearance when a dangerous effort from Briel Mbolo was brilliantly saved by Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crepo.
The match was decided at the beginning of the second half. In the 46th minute, Ruben Vargas scored a goal on Johann Manzambi’s cross and Switzerland advanced.
Just 11 minutes later Manzambi scored an own goal to double their lead, aided by excellent consistent play by Mbulo.
Canada tried to claw their way back into the match and in the 76th minute, substitute Promes David made a fine team move to score just 76 seconds into the game, but the hosts were unable to score again.
With the win, Switzerland topped Group B and will now play a knockout stage match against a third-placed team from Group E, F, G, H, I or J at the same stadium on July 3.
With this victory, Switzerland also won and became the third country after Argentina and France to reach the first round of the World Cup in four consecutive matches.
On the other hand, despite the defeat, Canada advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup for the first time in its history.
The Canadian team, which finished second in the group, will now face the second-placed team in Group A on June 28 in Los Angeles.
By finishing second in the group, Canada lost its home advantage and will now play all of its remaining tournament matches in the United States.
