Switzerland defeats co‑host Canada to top Group B

*Canada surrender home advantage as group runner‑up, move to LA

Switzerland secured a place in the first knockout round of the 2026 World Cup by defeating co‑host Canada 2‑1 to finish top of Group B.

Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored in the first 12 minutes of the second half in Vancouver, a result that gave Switzerland the group lead and marked the third time—alongside Argentina and France— that a nation has advanced to the knockout stages in each of the last four World Cups.

Consequently, the Nati will meet one of the third‑placed teams from Groups E, F, G, H, I or J at the same Vancouver stadium on 3 July.

For Canada, the loss still guarantees a knockout berth—their first ever—as runners‑up.

However, by not winning Group B, Jesse Marsch’s side forfeited their home advantage and will no longer play any further matches in Canada.

Their next game will be held at the Los Angeles Stadium in California on 28 June, where they will face the runners‑up of Group A.

In a first half that offered few chances, Switzerland—captained by Granit Xhaka on his 149th international appearance—came closest to breaking the deadlock 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 shots on target during a timid showing before the break.

The match exploded into life within a minute of the restart when Manzambi delivered a cross to the back post, which Vargas finished calmly to score his second goal of the finals.

Switzerland sealed the winner 11 minutes later when Manzambi finished from inside the area after impressive hold‑up play from Embolo.

Canada cut the deficit to 1‑2 with 14 minutes remaining when substitute Promise David finished off a delightful team move 76 seconds after his introduction, but it was not enough to spark a comeback.