Switzerland continued its exciting run at the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over Algeria on Thursday, locking a spot in the last 16.Goals from Brel Embolo and Dan Ndoye ensured Switzerland eased through to the last 16, where they will face the winner of Friday’s game between Colombia and Ghana in Vancouver.Switzerland has reached the knockout rounds in each of the previous three World Cups and is now eyeing a deeper promotion after repeatedly failing to qualify in the 32-team era.
Embolo and Ndoye lead Switzerland to promotion
Algeria started well, controlling possession in the first 10 minutes, but Switzerland launched a meaningful attack for the first time.Breakthrough youngster Johan Manzambi burst down the right wing and crossed with precision for Breel Embolo, who made no mistake from close range for his 26th international goal. The striker celebrated with a trademark knee slide as Switzerland took firm control of the game.Less than a minute after the restart, the Swiss doubled their advantage.Dan Ndoye’s powerful shot from the edge of the area beat a sprinting Luca Zidane to set up Algeria’s goal and effectively put the outcome beyond doubt.Switzerland almost scored a third goal in the closing stages when Fabian Riedel fired an easy shot in the 81st minute, but the ball grazed the target and went wide.FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier watched Spain’s victory over Austria and was among the spectators.
History beckons to the Swiss
The victory puts Switzerland on course for its best World Cup campaign in decades.Although Switzerland has reached the round of 16 at each of the past four World Cups, they have not won their last 16 games since the 1938 World Cup in France. Their only further advance since then came at home in 1954, when they won a playoff game and then reached the quarterfinals.Confidence grew steadily throughout the race.The Swiss defeated Canada 2-1 in their first match and then eliminated Algeria with a convincing victory to advance to the knockout rounds.Much of that success has been driven by 20-year-old Johan Manzambi, who has emerged as one of the brightest young talents in the tournament. After coming into the World Cup as a substitute, the youngster has broken into the starting XI and now has two goals and two assists, including a key contribution in Embolo’s opener.For Algeria, the defeat ended an unforgettable return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. The North African team entered the knockout rounds as one of the best third-place teams after a 3-3 draw with Austria, but failed to overcome a disciplined Swiss side.Switzerland will now travel to Vancouver knowing that a win over Colombia or Ghana will see them reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the modern era.
