Switzerland have reached the FIFA World Cup 2026 round of 16 after clinching a 2-0 triumph over Algeria in the Round of 32 match in the early hours of Friday 3 July, 2026 at BC Place Vancouver in Vancouver, Canada.
The result was Switzerland’s first win in the World Cup knockouts in more than eighty (80) years.
The Red Crosses have suffered defeat in their past seven (7) World Cup knockout matches, bringing to an end an 88-year old pain in the tournament’s knockout stage, thanks to goals from Rennes forward, Breel Embolo; and Nottingham Forest winger, Dan Ndoye.
The Desert Warriors had kicked off the showdown beautifully, however, were not creative enough to breakthrough as Switzerland did well to cage right winger, Riyad Mahrez, who fields for Saudi Professional League club, Al Hilal.
Switzerland went in front early, in the 10th minute, through Embolo with an assist from SC Freiburg midfielder, Johan Manzambi; and in just one (1) minute after the break, the European side added the second through Ndoye.
The Swiss had a late chance to increase their tally, but substitute Fabian Rieder shockingly failed to find the back of the net from close range.
The Red Crosses will now face the winner between Colombia and Ghana.
The Round of 32 game between Colombia and Ghana is the last match of the phase and will take place on Saturday 4 July, 2026 at 02:30 (WAT) at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, United States (US).
On the other sides of Round of 32, Spain made light work of Austria, winning 3-0 on Thursday 2 July, 2026 at Los Angeles Stadium, California, US; and Portugal came from behind to defeat Croatia 2-1 on Friday morning at Toronto Stadium, Toronto, Canada.
Al Nassr forward, Cristiano Ronaldo, levelled for the Lusitanians in the 68th minute from the penalty spot after The Chequered Ones had gone in front in the 53rd minute.
And, Gonzalo Ramos netted the winner in the 4th minute of additional time to take Portugal to the round of 16 of the tournament.
Portugal will now face Spain in the last 16 on Monday 6 July, 2026 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, United States (US) at 20:00 (WAT).
Photo: Breel Embolo celebrates after opening the scoring for Switzerland in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match against Algeria on Friday in Canada
