Canada Reach Knockouts for First Time as Switzerland Dominate Group B

Second-half strikes from Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi sealed Switzerland’s unbeaten seven-point finish, three clear of Canada, who advanced to the last 32 thanks to Bosnia-Herzegovina’s 3-1 win over Qatar.

Switzerland struck 40 seconds after the restart when Manzambi’s cross found Vargas, who controlled well before firing past Maxime Crepeau.

Manzambi doubled the lead on 57 minutes after good hold-up play from Breel Embolo.

Canada struggled to create clear chances before the break, with Gregor Kobel dealing comfortably with efforts from Cyle Larin and Ali Ahmed.

The hosts improved after Jesse Marsch made changes, and substitute Promise David made an instant impact, scoring with his first touch 76 seconds after coming on by turning in Nathan Saliba’s cross.

The goal sparked a late push for an equaliser that would have secured top spot, but Switzerland held firm.

READ: FIFA WORLD CUP: Bosnia and Qatar meet in Group B’s last-chance saloon

In the other Group B match, Bosnia-Herzegovina boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stages for the first time with a 3-1 win over Qatar.

The result lifted Bosnia to four points and into contention to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams.

Kerim Alajbegovic opened the scoring with a superb long-range strike, before an Edin Dzeko effort deflected in for an own goal. Qatar pulled one back through Hassan Al-Haydos, but Ermin Mahmic sealed the win late on.

Switzerland go through as group winners and face one of the best third-placed teams in the last 32, while Canada meet the runners-up from Group A in Los Angeles. Bosnia-Herzegovina must wait to see if four points is enough to progress, while Qatar are eliminated.