World Cup: Manzambi magic ensures Switzerland top Group B as Canada take second

SC Freiburg's Johan Manzambi was the star of the show for Switzerland once more, producing a goal and assist in a 2-1 win over hosts Canada.

Photo: Alex Grimm/Getty Images.

Switzerland have advanced to the 2026 World Cup's Round of 32 after a 2-1 victory over Canada ensured they finish top of Group B. All is not lost for Jesse Marsch's Maple Leafs, however, who also progressed to the knockout stages of the tournament as group runners-up on 4 points – three behind the Swiss.

In what would ultimately end as a scoreless first-half of football, Switzerland dominated possession in the initial exchanges. Their best chance came when ex-Wolfsburg star Ricardo Rodriguez found Breel Embolo. The striker's shot was smothered by Crepeau, while the follow up from Manzambi was bravely blocked.

At the other end, Cyle Larin tested Dortmund shot-stopper Gregor Kobel from an office position. The Canadian marksman was later embroiled in a row with former Bayer Leverkusen man Granit Xhaka – an flashpoint in which both players received yellow cards from Brazilian arbiter Ramon Abatti. 

The second-half took on a life of it's own inside seconds as Switzerland hit the front. SC Freiburg's Johan Manzambi supplied the cross to the back post for Ex-Augsburg winger Reuben Vargas to convert. Murat Yakin's side would go 2-0 to the good just before the hour to silence host nation Canada.

Luca Jaquez fired a long ball up to Embolo who skipped past de Fougerolles. Manzambi turned goal-scorer thereafter, prying his shot through the unlucky finger tips of Crepeau. The hard-working Canadians refused to lie down and would get their just rewards with 15 minutes remaining. 

Nathan Saliba's exquisite first touch and cross picked out substitute Promise David who found the net with the outside of his boot. The Maple Leafs threw everything at it late on, but the resilient Swiss withstood every wave to claim top spot in Group B while Canada finish second.