New Delhi: Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 in the final fixture of their group stage game in the 2026 FIFA World Cup late Wednesday. Apart from topping the group table and securing a berth at the Round of 32, the Swiss squad extended their streak of qualifying for the knockout stages to four consecutive World Cups in 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026.
After a goalless first half, Ruben Vargas opened the scoresheet for Switzerland, marking the earliest second-half goal scored at the FIFA World Cup since 2010. In the 46th minute, a low cross from the right flank landed at Vargas, who was unmarked. The left winger rifled the ball, which clipped the woodwork before travelling inside the net.
“Switzerland have come to spoil the party,” the commentator had said after the opening goal.
In the 57th minute, Johan Manzambi scored the second goal for Switzerland. The 20-year-old rising star received the ball inside the D-box before firing it in the net. A low shot caught the goalkeeper off guard, who went down for a save, but the ball crept inside the net.
In the 76th minute, Canadian striker Promise David pulled one back for the host.
Social media users praised the Swiss side for their clinical gameplay in the final third.
“They (Switzerland) showed superior organisation, clinical finishing and experience to overcome a spirited Canadian side and claim top spot in the group,” said an X user posted. “Ruben Vargas and Johan Manzambi were clinical for Switzerland. Their efficiency in front of goal made the difference.”
“Switzerland’s tactical discipline stood out. They controlled key moments, defended solidly and punished Canada on transitions. A mature European performance full of quality and composure,” the user added.
While others pointed out the back-to-back group stage qualifications.
“Four straight World Cups out of the group is a pattern. Switzerland keep converting the group stage into bracket equity — now a third-placed team in Vancouver awaits,” posted another X user.
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At par with France
Switzerland has become only the second European team to qualify for four consecutive knockout games. The only other European nation that has achieved that is France.
For France, the achievement came under the leadership of manager Didier Deschamps. In the last 12 years, France has lifted the coveted trophy once in 2018.
In the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil, France faced a narrow 1-0 defeat to eventual champions Germany in the quarter finals. In 2022, France reached back-to-back finals before being defeated by Argentina after an epic 3-3 thriller decided by penalties.
In the 2026 World Cup, France became one of the first teams to qualify for the knockout stages. Sitting at the top of Group I, France has already scored six goals in the tournament, conceding just once. They are yet to pay their final group stage match against Norway.
“The Opta supercomputer considers them second favourites to lift the trophy after Spain, and unless something goes catastrophically wrong, France should go deep in the tournament,” states Opta Joe.
Canada will face a third-placed team in the Round of 32 in Vancouver on July 2.