With a new “show” from 20-year-old Johan Manzabi (assist and goal), Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 at “BC Place” in Vancouver and took first place in Group 2 of the 2026 World Cup (with 7 points), leaving the host Canadians in second place (4 points), although both teams “sealed” their qualification to the “32”.

Switzerland missed the first big chance in the 11th minute with Embolo unable to beat Prepos. In the 33rd minute, Kobel reacted brilliantly to Larin’s pass, while he did the same in the 41st minute to Ahmed’s pass.

At the start of the second half, the Swiss achieved absolute… surprise. In the 40th second, Manzambi, with wonderful energy, turned the ball in, Embolo left it under his feet and Vargas made the perfect “execution” for Switzerland’s 1-0. In the 57th minute, Embolo received the ball excellently, “smashed” it to Manzambi’s right and the 20-year-old Freiburg striker did not miss for the Swiss 2-0.

The Canadians pulled one back in the 76th minute with Promise one minute after entering the game, but Switzerland held the lead until the end despite the opportunities of Jesse March’s team and were the first to break the… thread in Group 2.

Referee : Ramon Abatti (Brazil)
Yellow cards : 32′ Xhaka – 32′ Larin, 87′ Millar

The lineups of the two teams:
SWITZERLAND (Murat Yakin): Crepeau, Johnston, Larriea (83′ Schaffelberg), Cornelius, Fougerol, Buchanan (75′ Promise), Choynier (58′ Eustaquio), Saliba, Ahmed (58′ Millar), David, Larin (58′ Oluwazeyi).
CANADA (Jesse March): Kobel, Zaké (74′ Widmer), Elwendi, Akanji, Rodriguez, Freuler, Xhaka, Manzabi (85′ Fasnacht), Shaw (74′ Ebitser), Vargas (80′ Entoi), Embolo (85′ Iten).
*Attendees 52497.