Swiss, Canadians storm into Last 32

JOHAN Manzambi celebrates after scoring a goal that gave Switzerland a 2-1 win over Canada in Group B preliminaries of the FIFA World Cup in Vancouver.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Agence France-Presse
LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Switzerland and Canada became the latest teams to book their places in the World Cup knockout rounds on Wednesday as Brazil aimed to seal their passage to the Last 32.
A hectic final round of group games got under way with six matches scheduled for Wednesday, with Switzerland defeating Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to clinch top spot in Group B.
The Canadians advanced to the second round of the World Cup for the first time in their history despite the defeat, clinching the runners-up berth on goal difference ahead of third-placed Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi scored the goals to seal Switzerland’s victory over Canada, while Promise David pulled a goal back in the final 15 minutes to set up a tense finish.
Prior to the 2026 tournament, Canada had never won a match at the World Cup but with their second-placed finish in the pool they will play the runner-up from Group A on Sunday in Los Angeles.
“I know our team has heart, right? But I know that we have a group that will give everything to every moment,” Canada coach Jesse Marsch said.
On having to move to California for Canada’s next game, Marsh said: “It’s been awesome, and that’s the disappointment, we just want to continue the energy that’s taken place here in Canada.”
Bosnia-Herzegovina, who defeated Qatar 3-1 to finish third in the group, face a nervous wait to see if they will be among the eight best-ranked third-placed teams who advance to the Last 32.
Elsewhere Thursday, five-time World Cup winners Brazil need only a point against Scotland in Miami to advance to the knockout rounds, but will be looking to take all three to claim first place in Group C.
Morocco, who held Brazil to a 1-1 draw in an early highlight of the tournament, will aim to rack up goals against already-eliminated Haiti in order to try and pip Brazil to top spot in the group.
