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Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals as Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 on Wednesday to finish top of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the co-hosts secured a historic place in the knockout rounds.
With the group’s top two teams meeting in Vancouver, both sides knew victory would guarantee first place and, in theory, a more favourable draw in the last 32.
Goals from Vargas and Manzambi earned Switzerland all three points, taking them to seven points at the top of the group. Canada finished second on four points after Promise David pulled a goal back in the closing stages, becoming the first Canadian side to reach the World Cup knockout rounds.
Switzerland will face one of the best third-placed teams in the next round, while Canada will take on the Group A runners-up in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in the group after a 3-1 victory over Qatar and must now wait to learn whether their four points will be enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
Before kick-off, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a broken leg during his side’s 6-0 victory over Qatar, entered the pitch in a wheelchair and received a standing ovation from supporters at BC Place.
Switzerland created the better chances in the opening half, with Breel Embolo denied by Canada’s goalkeeper before Johan Manzambi saw his rebound blocked by a defender.
Canada responded through Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel produced two important saves to keep the scores level at half-time.
The breakthrough came moments after the restart when Vargas finished calmly at the back post after Manzambi’s low cross evaded the Canadian defence.
Manzambi doubled Switzerland’s lead in the 57th minute, capitalising on poor goalkeeping after Embolo held up the ball well on the edge of the area.
Canada manager Jesse Marsch responded with a triple substitution as the hosts searched for a way back into the contest.
The changes paid off when substitute Promise David converted Nathan Saliba’s cross to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish.
The hosts pushed for an equaliser that would have sent them through as group winners, but Switzerland defended resolutely to secure victory and first place in the group.
