Ruben Vargas opened the scoring early in the second half before Johan Manzambi added another goal to secure Switzerland's victory.
Switzerland's Ruben Vargas celebrates scoring their first goal with Johan Manzambi, BC Place, Vancouver, Canada, Jun 24, 2026. (Photo: REUTERS/Lee Smith)
25 Jun 2026 05:07AM
(Updated: 25 Jun 2026 05:29AM)
VANCOUVER: Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi struck second-half goals for Switzerland as they beat Canada 2-1 on Wednesday (Jun 24) to qualify for the knockout stage of the World Cup as Group B winners, with the tournament co-hosts also progressing as runners-up.Switzerland, who finished the group stage on seven points, will remain in Vancouver for their last-32 tie, while Canada, who would have won the group with a draw, ended three points behind them and will head to Los Angeles for their next game. The two sides managed to create a total of three attempts on goal in an uneventful first half only notable for two yellow cards handed out to Swiss captain Granit Xhaka and Canada striker Cyle Larin after the pair clashed over a quick free kick for Switzerland.Although there was little quality on display from either side in a subdued first half, the Swiss came out firing after the break. Just a minute into the second period, 20-year-old attacker Manzambi shifted the ball to Vargas, who had plenty of space to set himself before coolly finishing at the near post.
