Switzerland secured top spot in Group B of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 2-1 victory over Canada in Vancouver, while the co-hosts also booked a historic place in the knockout stage for the first time.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored second-half goals to hand the Swiss their second win of the tournament and ensure they finished the group stage with seven points.
Canada, needing only a draw to finish top of the group, pulled one back through substitute Promise David in the closing stages but could not find an equaliser.
The defeat leaves the Canadians on four points, enough to secure second place in the group and a place in the Round of 32, marking the country’s best-ever performance at a FIFA World Cup.
Bosnia and Herzegovina finished third in the group after defeating Qatar 3-1 and will now wait to see if their four points are enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.
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Switzerland will face one of the best third-placed sides in the knockout stage, while Canada will take on the runners-up of Group A in Los Angeles.
Canada midfielder Ismael Kone, who suffered a broken leg in his side’s 6-0 win over Qatar, received a standing ovation from fans after entering the stadium in a wheelchair before kick-off.
After a goalless first half, Switzerland broke the deadlock seconds into the second period when Johan Manzambi’s cross found Ruben Vargas, who fired home from close range.
Manzambi then doubled Switzerland’s lead in the 57th minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament after capitalising on a goalkeeping error.
Canada responded late in the game as Promise David converted Nathan Saliba’s cross to set up a tense finish, but Switzerland held on to secure victory and top spot in the group.
