Manzambi Shines Again as Switzerland Top Group B
Manzambi Magic Sends Switzerland Through as Group Winners
Switzerland secured top spot in Group B at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ with an impressive 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada at BC Place in Vancouver. Goals from Juan Vargas and the in-form Johan Manzambi ensured Murat Yakin's side advanced to the Round of 32 as group winners, while Canada also celebrated qualification after finishing second.
Switzerland 2-1 Canada
Switzerland goals: Juan Vargas (46'), Johan Manzambi (57') Canada goal: Promise David (76')
Although both nations booked their places in the knockout stage, it was Switzerland who left Vancouver smiling after producing another disciplined and clinical performance.
The victory means Switzerland will return to BC Place on 2 July to face one of the best third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, I or J in the Round of 32. Canada, meanwhile, will travel to Los Angeles where they will meet the runners-up from Group A on 28 June.
Switzerland Strike After the Break
The Swiss nearly opened the scoring after just 11 minutes when Ricardo Rodríguez released Breel Embolo through on goal. Canadian goalkeeper Maxime Crépeau produced an excellent save before Derek Cornelius blocked Johan Manzambi's follow-up effort.
Canada worked hard throughout the opening half, but Gregor Kobel remained largely untroubled, comfortably dealing with efforts from Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed.
Just 40 seconds after the restart, Switzerland finally broke the deadlock.
Johan Manzambi delivered a dangerous low cross from the right and Juan Vargas arrived unmarked at the far post to fire a powerful finish into the bottom corner.
The impressive Manzambi then doubled Switzerland's advantage in the 57th minute, calmly driving a low shot underneath Crépeau to score his third goal of the tournament and continue his outstanding World Cup campaign.
Canada Fight Until the End
Canada refused to surrender.
Substitute Promise David made an immediate impact by scoring with his very first touch only two minutes after entering the match, volleying home in the 76th minute to set up a tense finish.
The hosts pushed forward in search of an equaliser, but Gregor Kobel produced a superb late save to deny David's header and preserve Switzerland's victory.
Key Stat
Switzerland have successfully progressed from the group stage in six of their last seven FIFA World Cup appearances, underlining their consistency on football's biggest stage.
Superior Player of the Match
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
What They Said
Jesse Marsch (Canada Coach):
"I know our team has heart. We have a group that will give everything every single moment. We'll focus on the positives and the response we showed. We're disappointed because we wanted to build on our momentum, but we're exactly where we wanted to be—in the knockout phase. Now we go to Los Angeles determined to keep making our country proud."
What's Next?
Switzerland 📅 Round of 32 – July 2 🏟️ BC Place, Vancouver 🆚 One of the best third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, I or J
Canada 📅 Round of 32 – June 28 🏟️ Los Angeles, USA 🆚 Runners-up of Group A