Vancouver, 25 June (H.S.):

Switzerland secured top spot in Group B of the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a 2-1 victory over Canada on Wednesday. In an entertaining contest at BC Vancouver Stadium, all three goals came in the second half.

Neither side was able to break the deadlock in the opening 45 minutes, but Switzerland adopted a more aggressive approach immediately after the restart. Ruben Vargas opened the scoring in the 46th minute to give his side the lead.

Switzerland strengthened their position in the 57th minute when Johan Manzambi found the back of the net to double the advantage and make it 2-0.

Trailing by two goals, Canada mounted a spirited fightback. Promise David reduced the deficit in the 76th minute, injecting fresh excitement into the contest and setting up a tense finish.

Canada came agonisingly close to finding an equaliser in the dying moments of the match. In the final minute of stoppage time, Alistair Johnston's header went straight into the hands of Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel, ending Canada's hopes of salvaging a point.

With the victory, Switzerland confirmed their place at the top of the Group B standings. Canada, meanwhile, will have to rely on other results to keep their hopes of advancing to the next stage alive despite the narrow defeat.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar