Switzerland Top Group B as Canada Make World Cup Knockout History

Group B at World Cup 2026 has delivered one of the tournament’s most dramatic finishes so far. Switzerland defeated co-host Canada 2-1 in Vancouver to claim first place, while Canada still made history by reaching the knockout rounds for the first time.

Switzerland take control after a tight first half

The first half in Vancouver was tense and tactical, with both sides struggling to turn promising moments into clear goals. Breel Embolo and Cyle Larin both missed one-on-one opportunities, while Jonathan David sent Canada’s best chance wide before the break.

The match changed almost immediately after halftime. Rubén Vargas finished from close range in the 46th minute to put Switzerland in front, giving the European side the momentum they needed in a decisive final group game.

Manzambi doubles the lead, Canada fight back

Just 11 minutes later, Embolo turned provider for Johan Manzambi, who struck Switzerland’s second goal and reportedly scored his third of the tournament. At 2-0 down, Canada’s position looked fragile, but Jesse Marsch’s substitutions gave the hosts new energy.

Promise David made an immediate impact, volleying home from close range after Nathan Saliba’s delivery to cut the deficit to 2-1. Canada pushed hard late on, with Tani Oluwaseyi and David both threatening, but Swiss goalkeeper Gregor Kobel stood firm.

Bosnia and Herzegovina move closer to the last 16

In the other Group B match, Bosnia and Herzegovina defeated Qatar 3-1 to finish third on four points. That total could be enough to send them into the next round as one of the best third-placed teams.

The breakthrough came in the 28th minute from 18-year-old Kerim Alajbegovic, who beat three defenders before firing past Qatar goalkeeper Mahmud Abunada. Five minutes later, Bosnia doubled the advantage when Edin Džeko’s effort led to an own goal by Sultan Al-Brake.

Qatar responded through Hasan Al-Haydos, who finished from close range after Edmilson Junior’s assist. But despite more pressure after halftime and a major chance for Akram Afif, Qatar could not find an equaliser. Ermin Mahmić settled the match in the 80th minute after a scramble in the box.

What Group B means for the knockout rounds

Switzerland advance as group winners and have now moved beyond the group stage at four consecutive World Cups. Canada, despite losing the final match, also progress and mark a historic first appearance in the World Cup knockout phase.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s four-point finish leaves them in a strong position to qualify through the third-place ranking, while Qatar’s campaign ends at the group stage. For Canada, the next step will be tougher: they are through, but they will no longer have the same home-field comfort in the knockout rounds.

Sources checked: 24h.com.vn report on World Cup 2026 Group B, Switzerland vs Canada, Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar, and the Group B standings image.