Switzerland Eliminates Algeria, Final Match Stats, Highlights & Updated World Cup 2026 Bracket

Switzerland used early goals in the first and second halves to defeat Algeria 2-0 on Thursday evening in Vancouver to secure a knockout bracket victory and advance to the Round of 16.

Johan Manzambi set up Switzerland's first goal in the 10th minute after a tremendous run through the Algerian defense. He eventually found himself near the goal line before passing to Breel Embolo, who deflected the ball in for a 1-0 lead.

Switzerland needed just 46 seconds in the second half to take a 2-0 lead.

Algeria attempted to clear the ball deep in its own end, but Switzerland right back Denis Zakaria intercepted the pass and fired a cross. Algeria defender Rafik Belghali tried to clear the ball again, but it found its way to Dan Ndoye, who fired a shot into the left side of the net.

Switzerland could have made it 3-0 late after Zakaria's cross found Fabian Rieder in front of a largely open net, but his shot went too far right, allowing Luca Zidane to make a save.

Switzerland didn't need that goal, though, and comfortably won the match.

On the stat sheet, Switzerland had 2.40 expected goals to Algeria's 0.73. Algeria held possession for 56 percent of the time when the ball wasn't being contested. Switzerland had five shots on goal (11 overall) to Algeria's two (eight overall).

Switzerland has now won three straight World Cup matches after beginning group play with a 1-1 draw against Qatar. They beat Canada 2-1 and Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1 to win Group B with seven points.

Switzerland will remain in Vancouver for the Round of 16 on Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. They will play the winner of Colombia and Ghana, who will play their Round of 32 matchup on Friday at 9:30 p.m. ET in Kansas City.