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Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 this Wednesday at and claimed the top spot in Group B of the 2026 World Cup, with both teams advancing to the Round of 16.
The first half ended without goals, although the 32nd minute saw simultaneous yellow cards for Granit Xhaka (Switzerland) and Cyle Larin (Canada).
At the start of the second half, Switzerland took control of the scoreboard: Ruben Vargas opened the scoring in the 46th minute with a shot from the center of the box, assisted by Johan Manzambi.
One minute later, at the 57', Johan Manzambi himself extended the lead to 2-0 to solidify the Swiss dominance.
Canada responded with a triple substitution in the 58' —Eustaquio, Millar, and Oluwaseyi entered— and in the 75' Promise David came on for Buchanan.
David took just a minute to make his mark: in the 76th minute, he scored a goal to reduce the deficit in his first touch of the ball, making it 2-1.
Switzerland withstood the final pressure and took home all three points in front of 52,497 spectators.
In terms of statistics, the Swiss had greater possession (55% to 45%), but generated fewer total shots: six compared to ten from Canada, although both teams had four shots on goal each.
Canada dominated in corners (seven to two) and committed fewer fouls (12 compared to 20), while accumulating two yellow cards against one for Switzerland.
With this result, with 7 points (two wins and one draw, with a goal difference of +4), while Canada finished second with 4 points and a difference of +5.
Bosnia and Herzegovina, which defeated Qatar 3-1 in the other match of the day, finished third with 4 points but had a lower goal difference than Canada, and is awaiting confirmation on whether it qualifies as the best third-placed team across all groups of the tournament.
Qatar was eliminated with just one point.
The path of both teams qualifying for the direct duel for the leadership was marked by decisive results in the previous matchday: Switzerland thrashed Bosnia and Herzegovina 4-1, while Canada crushed Qatar 6-0 in what was the historic first victory for the Canadian national team in a World Cup.
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