Vancouver, 03 July (H.S.): Switzerland booked their place in the Round of 16 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating Algeria 2-0 in their Round of 32 clash on Friday, thanks to goals from Breel Embolo and Dan Ndoye. Switzerland will now face the winner of the Colombia vs Ghana match at the same venue on Tuesday.

Switzerland made an aggressive start and took the lead in the 10th minute. Twenty-year-old Johan Manzambi produced a brilliant run down the left flank before delivering a low cross, which Breel Embolo converted with a simple finish to put the Swiss side ahead 1-0.

The assist was Manzambi's second of the tournament. The young midfielder has now contributed three goals and two assists in four World Cup appearances.

The Swiss doubled their advantage immediately after the restart. In the 46th minute, Dan Ndoye controlled the ball superbly just outside the penalty area before calmly beating Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane to make it 2-0.

Switzerland then produced a disciplined defensive display, denying Algeria any opportunity to mount a comeback and comfortably seeing out the victory.

Having topped Group B with two wins and one draw, Switzerland remain unbeaten in the tournament.

However, the Swiss have failed to progress beyond the Round of 16 at the 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022 FIFA World Cups. Three-time World Cup quarter-finalists, Switzerland will now aim to reach the last eight for the first time since the 1954 tournament.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar