Switzerland and Canada Advance to Round of 32 at World Cup

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Switzerland and Canada became the latest teams to qualify for the knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup on Wednesday, while Brazil prepared to battle Scotland for a place in the last 32.

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Switzerland secured top spot in Group B with a 2-1 victory over Canada in Vancouver, courtesy of goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi. Promise David pulled one back late for Canada, but the Swiss held on for all three points.

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Despite the defeat, Canada advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time in the country’s history after finishing second in the group on goal difference ahead of Bosnia-Herzegovina.

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Before the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a World Cup match. They will now face the runners-up in Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.

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“I know our team has heart, right? But I know that we have a group that will give everything to every moment,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said.

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Reflecting on the team’s move to California for the next round, he added, “It’s been awesome, and that’s the disappointment, we just want to continue the energy that’s taken place here in Canada.”

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Bosnia-Herzegovina kept their hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Qatar but must now wait to see if they qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

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Elsewhere on Thursday, five-time champions Brazil need only a draw against Scotland in Miami to qualify for the knockout stage, although victory would guarantee them top spot in Group C.

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Morocco, who held Brazil to a 1-1 draw earlier in the tournament, will be hoping to beat already-eliminated Haiti by a convincing margin to overtake the South Americans.

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Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that veteran forward Neymar is fit again and could make his first appearance of the tournament from the bench.

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“He can play, he’s doing well, he trained very well. I’m very happy with him,” Ancelotti said.

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“He brings experience, understanding of the game, and helps the younger players.”

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Neymar has not featured for Brazil since October 2023. However, winger Raphinha will miss the match after suffering an injury expected to keep him out for around two weeks.

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Brazil and Scotland have previously met four times in the World Cup group stage, with Brazil winning three matches and drawing one. Their only draw came in 1974, when Brazil advanced ahead of Scotland on goal difference.

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Meanwhile, co-hosts Mexico have already secured their place in the knockout stage after winning Group A with two victories. They will face the Czech Republic, who must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.

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South Africa, who recovered from an opening defeat to Mexico by drawing with the Czech Republic, must defeat Son Heung-min’s South Korea to have any chance of progressing.

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The final round of group-stage matches continues over the next four days, with six matches scheduled each day following the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams.

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Group B standings after the final matches:

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Switzerland finished top with seven points from three matches after recording two wins and one draw.

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Canada claimed second place with four points from one win, one draw and one defeat, sealing a historic place in the knockout round.

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Bosnia-Herzegovina also finished on four points after one win, one draw and one loss but missed automatic qualification on goal difference and must await the ranking of third-placed teams.

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Qatar ended bottom of the group with one point from three matches and were eliminated.

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