Kathmandu, June 25: Switzerland secured their place in the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating hosts Canada 2-1 in their final Group B match at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver on Thursday.
The victory saw Switzerland finish at the top of Group B with seven points from three matches, while Canada also advanced to the knockout rounds as group runners-up with four points.
After a goalless first half, Switzerland broke the deadlock just a minute into the second half when Ruben Vargas found the back of the net in the 46th minute. The Swiss side doubled their advantage in the 57th minute through Johan Manzambi, putting Canada under further pressure.
Canada responded in the 76th minute when Promise David pulled one goal back to ignite hopes of a comeback. However, Switzerland held firm for the remainder of the match to secure a crucial 2-1 victory.
Elsewhere in Group B, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1. Bosnia finished level on four points with Canada but missed out on automatic qualification due to an inferior goal difference. Nevertheless, Bosnia remain in contention to progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
Qatar, who managed just one point from their three group-stage matches, were eliminated from the tournament.
