Switzerland 2-1 Canada: Ruben Vargas scores, Johan Manzambi adds a goal and an assist

In the third round of 2026 World Cup group play, Switzerland beat Canada 2-1. Neither side scored in the first half, and in the 32nd minute Canada’s Cyle Larin and Switzerland’s G. Xhaka each received a yellow card, leaving the match level at 0-0 at the break.

After halftime, Switzerland struck first to change the game. In the 46th minute, Ruben Vargas finished a Johan Manzambi assist to put Switzerland ahead 1-0. In the 57th minute, Johan Manzambi was involved again, this time scoring after a Breel Embolo assist to stretch the lead to 2-0.

Canada got one back in the 76th minute when Promise Akinpelu scored from an assist by N. Saliba, cutting the deficit to 1-2. L. Millar was shown a yellow card in the 87th minute. The score did not change again, and Switzerland closed out a 2-1 win.

On the numbers, Switzerland finished with 55% possession to Canada’s 45%. Expected goals were 1.06 for Switzerland and 1.27 for Canada. Switzerland had 6 shots and 4 on target, while Canada had 13 shots and 7 on target. Pass completion was 83% for Switzerland and 80% for Canada; corners were 2-7, offsides 1-3, saves 6-2, and fouls 19-13.

In the previous round, Switzerland beat Bosnia 4-1 and Canada beat Qatar 6-0. The standings snapshot shows Switzerland currently 2nd in Group B with 2 matches played, 1 win, 1 draw, 0 losses, 4 points, and a +3 goal difference, inside the official Round of 32 zone. Canada is currently 1st in Group B with the same record and 4 points, but a +6 goal difference, also inside the official Round of 32 zone.