Switzerland secured the top position in World Cup Group B on Wednesday following a 2-1 victory over co-hosts Canada in Vancouver. Both goals for the Swiss came in the second half via Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi. While Canada fell three points short of the leaders, the result was historic as they advanced to the knockout stages for the first time.
Promise David scored for Canada with 15 minutes remaining, but the team could not find an equalizer. Despite the loss, Canada moves on to play the Group A runner-up in Los Angeles this Sunday. Switzerland, having finished with seven points, will face a top third-placed opponent next week. In the group’s other match, Bosnia-Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 to claim third place.
Before the game, Canadian midfielder Ismael Kone received a standing ovation at BC Place after suffering a leg injury in a previous match. The first half remained goalless despite efforts from Breel Embolo, Cyle Larin, and Ali Ahmed. The momentum shifted quickly after the interval when Vargas scored from a cross, followed by Manzambi netting his third goal of the tournament shortly after. Although Canada pushed back with a goal from Promise David, the Swiss defense maintained their lead until the final whistle.
