2026 World Cup: Switzerland Top Group B as Canada Reach Historic Knockout Stage
Switzerland finished top of Group B at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Canada, while Bosnia and Herzegovina boosted their hopes of reaching the knockout stage with a 3-1 win over Qatar.
The Swiss ended the group phase with seven points to secure first place, while Canada finished second on four points to qualify for the last 32 for the first time in their history. Bosnia and Herzegovina also finished on four points but placed third and must now wait to see if they advance as one of the best third-placed teams. Qatar were eliminated after finishing bottom of the group.
In Vancouver, Switzerland and Canada entered the final group match knowing that victory would guarantee top spot. After a goalless first half, Ruben Vargas opened the scoring shortly after the break.
Johan Manzambi then doubled Switzerland’s advantage in the 57th minute, scoring his third goal of the tournament after benefiting from poor goalkeeping.
Canada responded strongly and reduced the deficit through Promise David, who converted Nathan Saliba’s cross with 15 minutes remaining. The co-hosts pushed for an equaliser that would have sent them through as group winners, but Switzerland held firm to claim all three points.
Canada’s qualification marks a historic achievement. Before this tournament, the North Americans had never won a match at a World Cup finals. They will now face the runners-up of Group A in Los Angeles.
Switzerland, meanwhile, will take on one of the best third-placed teams in the next round.
In the other game, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 to finish third in the group. The victory kept alive their hopes of progressing to the knockout stages as one of the tournament’s best third-placed teams.
Before kick-off in Vancouver, Canada midfielder Ismael Kone received a standing ovation from supporters after entering the pitch in a wheelchair. The midfielder suffered a broken leg during Canada’s 6-0 victory over Qatar in their previous match.
Final Group B Standings
- Switzerland – 7 points (Qualified)
- Canada – 4 points (Qualified)
- Bosnia and Herzegovina – 4 points (Awaiting best third-placed qualification)
- Qatar – Eliminated
