Vancouver, June 26:
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored to give Switzerland a 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at the BC Place Vancouver, as both teams advanced to the knockout stage.
Manzambi, 20, who impressed off the bench with two goals in Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last Thursday, earned a start against Canada.
Assisted by Manzambi, Vargas broke the deadlock early in the second half, as his strike sailed past Canada goalkeeper, hit the post and crossed the line. In the 57th minute, Breel Embolo crossed for Manzambi, whose finish made it 2-0, reports Xinhua.Switzerland defender Manuel Akanji praised Manzambi after the match.
“We need player like this that are creative; he sees things that maybe others don’t see or are not capable of doing.”Canada pulled a goal back in the 76th minute when Promise David scored with his first touch shortly after coming on as a substitute.
”We did not secure at least a draw, it means that we have to leave here for the next game,” David said. “We are kind of disappointed about that. But we scored a lot in all three games, I think we did show a new level of attacking football.”Switzerland have qualified from the group stage for the sixth time in their last seven WC campaigns.