Switzerland Qualifies for the Round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup After Defeating Algeria
July 3, 2026 · Global
Switzerland achieved their first win in the knockout stages of a World Cup in 88 years by beating Algeria 2-0, thanks to goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye, and progressed to the last 16.
Switzerland managed to achieve their first victory in the knockout stages of a World Cup after 88 years by beating Algeria 2-0. Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye were the heroes for the Swiss team, securing their place in the round of 16.
The Swiss team took the lead in Vancouver in the 10th minute thanks to brilliant wing play from Johan Manzambi, who broke through the Algerian defense before providing Embolo with a neat pass to score. Ndoye increased the lead in the opening seconds of the second half, scoring just 46 seconds after the whistle for the start of the second half.
It was the first time Switzerland had scored more than one goal in a World Cup knockout match since a 7-5 defeat against Austria in the 1954 quarter-finals. Algeria, seeking their first win in the knockout stages, had a good chance before the break, but Fares Chaibi failed to capitalize when his shot was easily met by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Switzerland have never won in the knockout phase since beating Germany in the 1938 World Cup, but this time they appeared confident. Murat Yakin's team should have added a third goal, when Fabian Rieder had a golden opportunity in the back of the net, but his shot missed and only went towards the Algerian goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, who had previously been trapped.
Now, Switzerland have reached the last 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time in a row, and they will face the winner between Colombia and Ghana on July 7 at BC Place, Vancouver. Granit Xhaka, who reached his 150th cap for his country, produced a very important performance for the Swiss team, controlling the game well. Manzambi, on the other hand, became the star of the field with his action which created the opening goal.