World Cup 2026 | Switzerland 2 - 1 Canada

Disappointment for the co-hosts as Switzerland top Group B

Goals from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi within the opening 12 minutes of the second half proved enough to seal first place.

Author | Peter Grainger 

Stadium | Vancouver Stadium

The win also ensured Switzerland became only the third nation, alongside Argentina and France, to reach the knockout stages at each of the last four World Cups.

They will now face one of the third-placed teams from Groups E, F, G, H, I or J in Vancouver on 3 July.

Despite the defeat, Canada progressed to the knockout stages for the first time in their history after finishing second in Group B, having drawn with Bosnia and Herzegovina and thrashed Qatar in their previous two matches.

The impact of this match from a Canadian perspective

However, by missing out on top spot, Jesse Marsch's side surrendered their home advantage and will not play another match in Canada during the tournament.

Their next fixture comes at Los Angeles Stadium in California on 28 June, where they will face the runners-up from Group A.

A closer analysis of what happened 

A cagey first half produced few clear-cut opportunities, although Switzerland, captained by Granit Xhaka on his 149th international appearance, came closest to opening the scoring when Breel Embolo's effort from inside the area was well saved by Maxime Crepeau.

Canada struggled to test their opponents and, despite scoring six against Qatar last week, managed only three tame efforts on target during a subdued opening period.

Switzerland struck less than a minute after the restart when Manzambi's cross found Vargas at the back post and the forward calmly converted for his second goal of the tournament.

Murat Yakin's side doubled their lead 11 minutes later as Manzambi turned scorer, finishing from inside the area after excellent hold-up play by Embolo.

Canada pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining when substitute Promise David completed a flowing team move just 76 seconds after coming on, but it was not enough to inspire a comeback.