Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye ensured Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout victory since 1938 while ending Algeria’s hopes of reaching the last 16 for the first time in their history
Algeria’s FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign came to a disappointing end on Friday after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in their Round of 32 clash at BC Place in Vancouver, becoming the sixth African nation to crash out of the tournament.
Goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye ensured Switzerland secured their first World Cup knockout victory since 1938 while ending Algeria’s hopes of reaching the last 16 for the first time in their history.
The Swiss made a dream start, taking the lead after just 10 minutes. Johan Manzambi produced a dazzling run down the flank before cutting the ball back for Embolo, who finished from close range to put Murat Yakin’s men ahead.
Algeria struggled to create clear-cut opportunities despite enjoying spells of possession. Their best chance of the opening half fell to Fares Chaibi, whose tame effort was comfortably saved by Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.
Any hopes of an Algerian comeback disappeared less than a minute into the second half as Nottingham Forest winger Dan Ndoye doubled Switzerland’s advantage with a composed finish just 46 seconds after the restart.
The Desert Foxes failed to mount a meaningful response as Switzerland comfortably saw out the contest, with Fabian Rieder even missing a late opportunity to extend the scoreline.
The victory sends Switzerland into the Round of 16, where they will face either Ghana or Colombia.
For Algeria, the defeat marks the end of a spirited World Cup campaign and continues Africa’s shrinking representation at the tournament.
They join South Africa l, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, DR Congo, Tunisia and as the continent’s eliminated teams, leaving only Morocco in the round of 16 while Ghana, Egypt and Cape Verde are stil in contention for a place in the last 16.
Switzerland’s breakthrough was inspired by the impressive Johan Manzambi, whose assist for Embolo took his direct goal involvement at the tournament to five, making the 20-year-old the youngest player to achieve that feat at a World Cup since detailed records began in 1966.
With Africa now down to just three surviving teams, hopes of extending the continent’s historic World Cup run rest on Ghana, Egypt and Cape Verde as the knockout stage continues.
