Switzerland beat Canada 2-1 to clinch top spot in World Cup Group B

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Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi fired Switzerland to top spot in World Cup Group B on Wednesday with a 2-1 win over Canada as the co-hosts also ensured a historic spot in the knockout rounds.

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With the top two teams in the pool meeting in Vancouver, both knew that a victory would ensure first place in the group and, in theory, a kinder draw in the knockout stages.

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Vargas and Manzambi’s second-half strikes were enough to ensure the Swiss finished on seven points, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 mins for Canada but they finished up three points behind their opponent but reach the last 32 for the first time in their history.

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Prior to the 2026 edition, the North Americans had never won a match at a finals but with their second-placed finish in the pool they will play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.

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Switzerland will meet one of the best third-placed sides next week.

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Bosnia-Herzegovina wrapped up third in Group B thanks to a 3-1 win over Qatar and will face an anxious wait to see if their four points are enough to extend their stay at the World Cup.

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Prior to kick-off, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone entered the pitch in a wheelchair after suffering a leg break in Canada’s 6-0 demolition of Qatar last week and was treated to a standing ovation by the spectators at BC Place Vancouver.

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– Manzambi difference-maker –

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Breel Embolo was presented with a golden chance to open the scoring for the Swiss after 10 minutes but could only fire straight at the goalkeeper before Manzambi struck the rebound into the chest of a defender.

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Canada’s first big opportunity to break the deadlock arrived just after the half-hour as striker Cyle Larin cut in on his right foot and tried to bend the ball beyond Gregor Kobel.

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The Swiss stopper was called into action again shortly before half-time as he dropped down to his right to palm a tame Ali Ahmed effort wide of his near post.

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After an entertaining first half, the match sparked into life seconds after the interval as Vargas gave Switzerland lift-off.

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A simple ball down the line released Manzambi, whose cross from the right evaded everyone until the 27-year-old popped up in acres of space at the back post and took an excellent first touch before rifling past Maxime Crepeau.

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Manzambi then put the cherry on a fine performance as he netted his third of the tournament on 57 minutes, profiting from some poor goalkeeping to squeeze in a right-footed shot after decent hold-up play on the edge of the box by Embolo.

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Canada boss Jesse Marsch responded by making three substitutions, including sending on LAFC midfielder Stephen Eustaquio.

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Jonathan David, who scored a hat-trick in Canada’s last outing, turned sharply in the Swiss box and fired an effort at goal as the co-hosts tried to get a foot back in the match before the second hydration break, but Nico Elvedi flung himself in the ball’s path.

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But moments after the three-minute break, Promise David, who had just entered the field, gave Canada hope as he stretched to turn in a sublime ball from Nathan Saliba.

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The goal set up a grandstand finish with a leveller for Canada certain to send them through as group winners.

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The Canadians came close from a couple of set-pieces at the match’s climax but Switzerland held on to claim top spot.

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