Switzerland beats Canada 2-1 to top Group B; Manzambi scores third goal, Canada also through
Switzerland defeated co-host Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to finish first in Group B, while Canada still advanced to the knockout stage for the first time in its history. Johan Manzambi scored his third goal of the tournament and set up the opener.
Switzerland secures top spot
Switzerland needed a win to claim first place and got it with second-half goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi. Vargas struck in the 46th minute from a Manzambi cross, and Manzambi doubled the lead in the 57th after a layoff from Breel Embolo. Canada pulled one back through substitute Promise David in the 76th minute but could not find an equalizer. The result gave Switzerland seven points and a round-of-16 date against a third-placed team on July 3 in Vancouver. Switzerland advanced to the knockout stage for the fourth consecutive World Cup, according to France 24, though El Periódico reported it was their first group-stage progression since 2006.
- Kickoff: Switzerland vs Canada at BC Place, Vancouver
- 37' VAR reviews possible penalty for Switzerland, not given
- 46' Ruben Vargas scores for Switzerland (assist Manzambi)
- 57' Johan Manzambi scores second goal (assist Embolo)
- 76' Promise David pulls one back for Canada (assist Saliba)
- Full-time: Switzerland 2-1 Canada
Manzambi continues breakout tournament
The 20-year-old Freiburg forward, who scored twice against Bosnia, added his third goal of the World Cup, trailing only Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland in the scoring charts. He also provided the assist for Vargas's opener. His dynamic performance has made him one of the revelations of the tournament, with his market value already estimated at €50 million before the World Cup.
Canada makes history despite defeat
Canada, co-hosting the tournament, advanced from the group stage for the first time in three World Cup appearances (1986, 2022, 2026). The loss meant they finished second on goal difference and must travel to Los Angeles to face the Group A runner-up on Sunday at SoFi Stadium. Coach Jesse Marsch expressed disappointment but said,
He also indicated that injured star Alphonso Davies could return for the next match. Prime Minister Mark Carney attended the match at BC Place.We are exactly where we wanted to be; in the knockout phase.
Bosnia waits, Qatar eliminated
In the group's other match, Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 in Seattle to finish third with four points. Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring with a long-range strike, and an own goal extended the lead before Haydos pulled one back for Qatar. A late goal from Mehmic sealed the win. Bosnia now waits to see if it qualifies as one of the eight best third-placed teams. Qatar, coached by Julen Lopetegui, exits with a single point.
- Switzerland
- 7 points
- Canada
- 4 points
- Bosnia
- 4 points
- Qatar
- 1 points
What's next
Switzerland will face a third-placed team on July 3 in Vancouver. Canada plays the Group A runner-up on Sunday in Los Angeles. Bosnia's fate depends on results in other groups.
