Switzerland defeated Algeria 2-0 in Vancouver, advancing to the final 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time in a row.
The Group B winners made a splash on Thursday night. Bril Embolo set the tone with a goal in the 10th minute, assisted by Johan Manzambi, a 20-year-old prodigy who has scored or assisted six of Switzerland’s nine World Cup goals.
Algeria kept up the pressure, aiming to reach the Round of 16, which would equal the deepest World Cup entry in the country’s history. At the end of the first half, Switzerland held the lead, but it looked like the game was even.
Less than a minute after half-time, Switzerland’s Dan Ndoye proved that idea foolish, scoring another goal to make it 2-0. This lead was irreplaceable for Switzerland, and both teams continued to fight hard for the remainder of the second half.
Despite being regulars in the last 16, the expansion to 48 teams meant this was Switzerland’s first knockout match win since 1938, and the first time they have won three consecutive World Cups.
Switzerland will remain in Vancouver and play the winner of Colombia and Ghana in the Round of 16 on Tuesday, July 7th.
USA TODAY Sports provided live updates and highlights.
Final: Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
Switzerland’s solid defense kept Algeria scoreless, and the final whistle blew in Vancouver. Switzerland took control in the second half, limiting Algeria’s chances, and won comfortably to advance to the round of 16.
90 minutes Additional time 6 minutes
It has been announced that stoppage time in Vancouver will be a minimum of six minutes. Algeria needs a miracle.
87 minutes Double substitution for Switzerland
Sylvain Widmer and Michael Aebischer rounded out Switzerland’s changes for the night, replacing Dan Ndoye and Denis Zakaria. There were less than 10 minutes left until Switzerland’s advance.
83′ Briel Embolo gives Switzerland the lead
Goalscorer Bril Embolo was sent off to be replaced by Zeki Amdouni. Switzerland’s third substitute of the night. The Swiss believers in Vancouver gave him a big round of applause.
82 minutes Algeria’s last sub
Algeria’s Rafik Bergari had to leave the pitch after being tackled a few minutes earlier. Attacker Adil Blbina will replace the limping full-back.
81 minutes Chance! Switzerland should have a third too!
Fabian Rieder missed a wide-open net from close range for what should have been Switzerland’s third goal of the night. Luca Zidane dove to his left and made an acrobatic save to give Algeria a glimmer of hope in the final stages of the match.
74 minutes Switzerland close in on a third
Switzerland’s Fabian Rieder’s shot was cleared on the line by defender Rafik Bergari, denying the Red Cross a third goal.
72 minutes Another yellow for Algeria
Algeria’s Hicham Boudaoui was booked seconds after coming on as a substitute. The challenge caused Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka to briefly fall to the ground and require assistance from medical staff, before getting up on his own and continuing to play.
70 minutes Both teams make substitutions during the break.
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez and Nabil Bentaleb were replaced by Anis Hadji Moussa and Hisham Boudaoui.
Young Swiss stars Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas will replace Fabian Rieder and Noah Okafor as Switzerland look to maintain their lead.
67 minutes Second half hydration break
Switzerland started to play more passively, defending their two-goal lead. Algeria need to start somewhere if they are to join Morocco as the second African team to reach the round of 16.
59′ Two substitutes brought in for an increasingly desperate Algeria.
Algeria’s Amin Gouiri and Jaouen Hajam come on the pitch in place of Houssem Aouar and Ramiz Zerrouchi. Coach Vladimir Petkovic made two changes in an effort to revitalize Algeria, who had scored two goals in 30 minutes and needed substitutions.
49 minutes Chance! Algeria refuses to withdraw
Algeria continued to attack with tenacity, and Rafic Bergari’s cross landed at the feet of Riyad Mahrez. However, his shot was brilliantly cleared by Swiss right-back Denis Zakaria and a potential goal was saved.
Goal in the 46th minute!! Switzerland doubles their lead! Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
A missed clearance by Algeria’s Rafik Bergari fell at the feet of Switzerland’s Dan Doye, who fired a shot over the outstretched arms of goalkeeper Luca Zidane, extending Switzerland’s lead to 2-0. What a great start to the second half for Switzerland. Algeria is currently facing major problems.
Second half starts
The second half begins in Vancouver! Switzerland hold a 1-0 lead and Algeria will need to make the most of their chances if they are to win their first knockout tournament.
Halftime: Switzerland 1-0 Algeria
It was an open match at BC Place, but Switzerland maintained a solid 1-0 lead in the early stages. Possession is almost evenly matched, but Algeria has the advantage, as does the number of passes. However, both countries allowed two shots on target each and five fouls each. Switzerland took the lead thanks to Briel Embolo’s goal, but in the second half it looks like it will be a match that everyone can watch.
43′ Fares Chaibi, chance for Algeria
Algeria’s Houssem Aouar passed the ball to Fares Chaibi in the box, who passed it into the hands of Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel. As the first half draws to a close, Algeria are knocking on the door for an equalizer.
36′ First yellow card for Algeria
Fares Chaibi was forced to bring down Yohan Manzambi and set up a set-piece for Switzerland, with Denis Zakaria’s head going just over the bar. Chaibi received the first warning of the match by referee Yael Falcon Perez.
Hydration break in Vancouver
We arrived for our first hydration break in Vancouver. It was so exciting considering the kickoff was at 11pm. Algeria dominated Switzerland and looked poised, but Embolo’s early goal has been the story thus far. A lot of soccer is still waiting for us.
20-year-old star Johan Manzambi has been a big hit at this World Cup. Ever since Switzer realized what he could do, he has taken this team to new heights. The midfielder has scored three goals and provided three assists in this competition, meaning he has been involved in six of Switzerland’s eight goals so far. Not bad for a player who didn’t start the first two games.
15 minutes Chance for Switzerland to score 2 points
Switzerland had another chance similar to the one that led to their first goal. Yohan Manzambi brought it up and after a few passes inside the box, Denis Zakaria took a shot, but Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane eventually held onto the ball.
14 minutes Additional shot for Algeria
Despite conceding an early goal, Algeria continued to possess the ball very well. This possession led to Houssem Aouar firing a straight shot at Swiss keeper Gregor Kobel.
11 minute goal! Switzerland 1-0 Algeria
Briel Embolo received a pass from Johan Manzambi and fired a shot past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane. Switzerland takes the lead early on. Manzambi was in excellent form for Switzerland at this tournament, combining great speed and dribbling to set up Embolo’s 26th goal for his country, and his second of the World Cup.
6′ First chance goes to Algeria
Algeria’s Houssem Aouar picked up a cross from Ibrahim Maza and missed his shot from close range. Algeria made it look like they belonged in what was an even game to start the finals.
Round of 32 underway in Vancouver
The ball is kicked off as Algeria aim for their first win of the finals tournament. Switzerland aims to advance to the last 16 of the World Cup for the fourth time in a row.
Familiar name, another country
Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane has a rich family history. Luka is the son of French superstar Zinedine Zidane, who is widely considered to be one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The youngster started between the pipes in a completely different country in his first World Cup campaign. Luka made his professional debut in 2018 at Real Madrid, where his father Zinedine was on the coaching staff.
Despite representing France throughout his youth, Luka requested to change his sporting citizenship to Algeria, where his grandparents are from. He is currently leading his team to the knockout stages for the second time in their history.
Highlights of Switzerland vs. Algeria
The game is being broadcast on FS1, but you can also watch it on the Fubo or Fox One apps. Spanish-language broadcasts are available on Telemundo and Peacock.
Watch every World Cup match on Fubo
The matchup kicks off at 11pm ET.
The Round of 32 matches will be held at BC Place in Vancouver.
Seth Terny: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria
Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas starred, and Switzerland improved as the group stages progressed. This should be enough for Switzerland to break through the uneven Algerian side.
john arnold: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria
Algeria will put up a good fight, but given their form so far in this tournament, there is no stopping Johan Manzambi.
Jesse Yomtov: Switzerland 1 – 0 Algeria
Switzerland has not won in the knockout stages since 1954, when they lost six straight, but they will end that streak against the North African team.
victoria hernandez: Switzerland 2-0 Algeria
Switzerland, led by Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi, are a solid team and have reached the last 16.
carter brown: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria
Throughout this tournament, Switzerland has shown the ability to utilize their experience in the second half. The Swiss national team will do well enough to reach the last 16 of their fourth consecutive World Cup.
Jack Cooney: Switzerland 3 – 1 Algeria
Both offensive lines have been active lately, so I would be surprised if both teams didn’t score. However, Switzerland is a better team, so I expect them to win by multiple points.
Derek Oliveros: Switzerland 2-1 Algeria
Algeria are coming off one of the most thrilling matches of the World Cup group stage, but this is not enough for Switzerland to close out the group stage with two wins. Switzerland will have the advantage in this match and will advance to the round of 16.
Today’s Swiss lineup
2026 World Cup Team Complete Roster
Algeria lineup today
Explore USA TODAY Sports’ latest brackets here.
