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Switzerland secured their first FIFA World Cup knockout victory in 88 years after defeating Algeria 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday, booking a place in the last 16 of the 2026 tournament.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye sealed a comfortable victory for Murat Yakin’s side, who will remain in Vancouver to face either Colombia or Ghana in the Round of 16.
The Swiss made a bright start and took the lead after just 10 minutes. Rising star Johan Manzambi produced a brilliant run before setting up Embolo, who calmly finished to hand Switzerland an early advantage.
Algeria attempted to respond but struggled to create clear-cut chances against a disciplined Swiss defence marshalled by Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi. Vladimir Petkovic’s side enjoyed spells of possession but lacked the attacking edge needed to trouble goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Any hopes of an Algerian comeback were dealt a major blow just 48 seconds into the second half. A defensive lapse allowed Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye to race through and slot home Switzerland’s second goal, giving the Europeans complete control of the contest.
Switzerland continued to threaten throughout the second half, with Embolo and Fabian Rieder both missing opportunities to extend the lead, while Algeria failed to seriously test Kobel despite introducing fresh attackers.
The victory also marked several milestones for Switzerland. It was their first World Cup knockout triumph since 1938 and their third consecutive victory at the 2026 tournament the first time they have achieved that feat in World Cup history. They have also scored in six successive World Cup matches for the first time.
Switzerland will now shift focus to a Round of 16 showdown against either Colombia national football team or Ghana national football team, with growing confidence that they can extend their best World Cup run in nearly nine decades.
